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World J Gastroenterol. Jan 7, 2011; 17(1): 15-20
Published online Jan 7, 2011. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v17.i1.15
Published online Jan 7, 2011. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v17.i1.15
Optical coherence tomography and Doppler optical coherence tomography in the gastrointestinal tract
Eugen Osiac, Adrian Săftoiu, Dan Ionut Gheonea, Ion Mandrila, Radu Angelescu, Centre for Research in Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 200349 Craiova, Romania
Author contributions: Osiac E and Gheonea DI wrote this paper; Osiac E, Săftoiu A and Gheonea DI designed research, collected tissue biopsies and performed the imaging procedures; Mandrila I and Angelescu R produced experimental models; Săftoiu A assisted the scientific writing of the paper.
Supported by Project number 99CP/I//2007 ANCS and Project number 12-106/2008 CNMP, Romania
Correspondence to: Dr. Eugen Osiac, Centre for Research in Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Petru Rares Street, Number 2, 200349 Craiova, Romania. e_osiac@yahoo.com
Telephone: +40-351-405683 Fax: +40-351-405683
Received: July 2, 2010
Revised: July 28, 2010
Accepted: August 4, 2010
Published online: January 7, 2011
Revised: July 28, 2010
Accepted: August 4, 2010
Published online: January 7, 2011
Abstract
Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a noninvasive, high-resolution, high-potential imaging method that has recently been introduced into medical investigations. A growing number of studies have used this technique in the field of gastroenterology in order to assist classical analyses. Lately, 3D-imaging and Doppler capabilities have been developed in different configurations, which make this type of investigation more attractive. This paper reviews the principles and characteristics of OCT and Doppler-OCT in connection with analyses of the detection of normal and pathological structures, and with the possibility to investigate angiogenesis in the gastrointestinal tract.
Keywords: Optical coherence tomography; Doppler; Gastrointestinal tract; Gastrointestinal cancer; Angiogenesis