Optical coherence tomography imaging of oral mucosa bullous diseases: a preliminary study

Abstract

This exploratory study suggests that the OCT is able to distinguish epithelial and subepithelial layer <i>in vivo</i> images of healthy oral mucosa from those with bullous diseases, assisting the clinicians in differential diagnosis.The presented data are in accordance with the scientific literature, although a wider pool of cases is needed to increase statistical power. Histological examination and immunofluorescence methods remain the gold standard for the diagnosis of oral bullous diseases. In this context, the OCT can provide the clinician with a valuable aid both as an additional diagnostic tool and in the follow up of the disease.