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Updated: Jun 14, 2026

In Vivo, Percutaneous, Needle Based, Optical Coherence Tomography of Renal Masses
Published on: March 30, 2015
Optical coherence tomography of human kidney
Maristela L Onozato1, Peter M Andrews, Qian Li
1Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Cardiovascular Kidney Institute, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA.
Optical coherence tomography (OCT) can now noninvasively image human kidney microstructure in real-time. This high-resolution imaging technique accurately detects histopathological changes, offering a promising tool for diagnosing renal diseases.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Optics
- Medical Imaging
- Renal Pathology
Background:
- Noninvasive diagnosis of renal disease is crucial for patient outcomes.
- Optical coherence tomography (OCT) offers high-resolution imaging capabilities.
- Previous studies demonstrated OCT's potential in rodent kidneys.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate OCT's ability to penetrate the human kidney capsule.
- To assess OCT for global surface surveying of human kidneys.
- To determine if OCT can identify histopathological changes in human renal microstructure.
Main Methods:
- A high-speed, frequency-swept OCT system (1.3 µm wavelength) was used.
- Cross-sectional images of 4 ex vivo human kidneys were acquired.
- OCT images were directly compared with conventional light microscopy histology.
Main Results:
- OCT achieved a penetration depth of 2 mm with 10 µm spatial resolution.
- Tubules, glomeruli, and cortical vessels were clearly characterized.
- OCT images revealed histopathological changes in tubules, glomeruli, and interstitium, consistent with histology.
Conclusions:
- OCT successfully imaged human kidney microstructure noninvasively.
- The technology demonstrated high resolution and penetration depth.
- OCT is a promising, cost-effective tool for diagnosing renal pathology.
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