Dynamic full-field optical coherence tomography for extemporaneous high-resolution imaging of adrenal glands

There is an interindividual variance in postoperative adrenocortical capacity, and the minimal functional remnant size is unknown. New imaging technologies may allow for improved intraoperative assessment of adrenal tissue morphology, cell activity, and surgery-related changes. The aim of this experimental study was to provide a pilot assessment of adrenal gland architecture with dynamic full-field optical coherence tomography (D-FF-OCT) in comparison to standard hematoxylin-eosin (HE) examination.

D-FF-OCT was performed on freshly resected porcine adrenal glands to simultaneously assess both morphology and metabolic activity in real time, and for comparison with standard histopathology. Left and right adrenal glands were assessed from 8 pigs (1 M, 7 F, mean weight 43.9 ± 8.3 kg).

The evaluation with D-FF-OCT proved fast in terms of acquisition time, averaging 32 min/specimen. The technique required a relatively short learning curve and provided morphological details similar to standard microscopy. In the comparative analysis of both methods, D-FF-OCT scans allowed easy identification of normal adrenal morphology and facilitated differentiation of the structural components of the cortical and medullary areas based on architectural and vascular patterns. Furthermore, it was possible to distinguish more accurately between cell subpopulations based on their metabolic activity.

While HE examination remains the gold standard for morphological evaluation, time weighs heavy on this ancillary technique. In our study, we prove that D-FF-OCT is effective in achieving a comparable level of morphological details, with added metabolic activity of the cells, a combination which can prove useful in the real-time assessment of various diseases requiring adrenal surgery.