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Optical coherence tomography of the biliary tree during ERCP
John M Poneros1, Guillermo J Tearney, Milen Shiskov
1Gastrointestinal Unit, Wellman Laboratories of Photomedicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
|January 5, 2002
Summary
Optical coherence tomography (OCT) provides high-resolution, in vivo cross-sectional images of the biliary tree during ERCP. This novel application successfully visualized biliary structures and identified cholangiocarcinoma, demonstrating feasibility and diagnostic potential.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Medical Imaging
- Endoscopy
Background:
- Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a high-resolution imaging technique producing in vivo cross-sectional images.
- This study reports the first use of OCT for imaging the biliary tree during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP).
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the feasibility and diagnostic utility of OCT for visualizing the biliary tree during ERCP.
Main Methods:
- A 2.6-mm diameter OCT catheter was advanced through a duodenoscope's accessory channel.
- In vivo images of intrahepatic and extrahepatic bile ducts were acquired in 5 patients.
- Histology-correlated OCT images from 5 cadaveric livers guided in vivo image interpretation.
Main Results:
- OCT successfully visualized biliary ductal epithelium and subepithelial structures, including peribiliary glands, vasculature, and hepatic parenchyma.
- The papillary architecture characteristic of cholangiocarcinoma was identified using OCT.
- No complications related to OCT use were observed.
Conclusions:
- High-resolution OCT imaging of the biliary tree during ERCP is feasible.
- OCT imaging holds potential for providing valuable diagnostic information in the context of ERCP procedures.