Orthogonal polarization technique in the assessment of human skin microcirculation

• Published in: International journal of dermatology 2008-05, Vol.47 (5), p.425-431
• Main Authors: Lupi, Omar, Semenovitch, Ivan, Treu, Curt, Bouskela, Eliete
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Biological and medical sciences; Dermatology; Dermatology - methods; Equipment Design; Humans; Medical sciences; Microcirculation; Microscopy, Polarization - instrumentation; Microscopy, Polarization - methods; Optics and Photonics; Skin - blood supply; Skin Diseases - diagnosis
• ISSN: 0011-9059; 1365-4632
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-4632.2008.03694.x

Background  The “gold standard” for the study of the in vivo microcirculation is intravital microscopy. The recently developed method of orthogonal polarization of light [orthogonal polarization spectral (OPS) imaging] allows for the in vivo transcutaneous evaluation of the microcirculation without the need for invasive surgical procedures. Methods  The application of polarized light originating from a 100 W halogen tungsten lamp is able to penetrate tissues at a depth of up to 3 mm, and generates reissued light from this depth. The evaluation of this depolarized light, from a deeper origin, may be carried out separately from the light reflected by the more superficial layers of the tissue under study because this light retains photon polarization, whereas the former light undergoes real depolarization. Results  The process of validation of the OPS technique, when compared with intravital microscopy, the “gold standard” for the in vivo observation of the microcirculation, has shown that it is as effective and reliable as the gold standard, reaching the same resolution level in the visualization of blood vessels, but without the need for invasive surgical procedures. Conclusions  The OPS technique is a very promising tool for dermatologists and researchers, especially in the study of vasculitis, chronic venous insufficiency, and skin tumors.