Water detection in skin by dual-band photodiodes
Purpose of this study was to develop a simple model for possibilities to detect water in skin by diffuse reflectance spectra. The model is based on comparison of diffuse reflectance spectra when illuminating water sample with LEDs of different wavelengths (1200 nm, and 1450 nm). The illumination LEDs were chosen due to water absorption differences in near-infrared spectral range. For detection, dual-band photodiode DSD2 by Thorlabs was used. Due to differences of water absorption at different wavelengths in the near-infrared spectral region, this correlation could be used for mapping of water content in skin or, in other words, determine relative moisture level in skin. Simple experimental …
Skin Erythema Assessment by an RGB Imaging Device: a Clinical Study
In this study, skin erythema assessment of 90 rosacea patients was estimated by a simple, low-cost RGB imaging device. A new erythema index assessment algorithm is proposed and clinically validated. Comparison with dermatologist’s visual assessment shows high correlation.
Rosacea assessment by erythema index and principal component analysis segmentation maps
RGB images of rosacea were analyzed using segmentation maps of principal component analysis (PCA) and erythema index (EI). Areas of segmented clusters were compared to Clinician’s Erythema Assessment (CEA) values given by two dermatologists. The results show that visible blood vessels are segmented more precisely on maps of the erythema index and the third principal component (PC3). In many cases, a distribution of clusters on EI and PC3 maps are very similar. Mean values of clusters’ areas on these maps show a decrease of the area of blood vessels and erythema and an increase of lighter skin area after the therapy for the patients with diagnosis CEA = 2 on the first visit and CEA=1 on the …
Benign — A typical nevi discrimination using diffuse reflectance and fluorescence multispectral imaging system
Early diagnostics of skin cancer is of interest for dermatologists. Atypical nevi are not considered to be malignant, but are suspects that should be detected and monitored over time. The multispectral imaging system Nuance operating in spectral range 450–950 nm was adapted for clinical in vivo measurements in diffuse reflectance and fluorescence mode. Mean and standard deviation values of optical density and fluorescence intensity were extracted from segmented pigmented lesions (21 benign and 26 atypical nevi) and used for further analysis. It was possible to achieve 62% sensitivity and 67% specificity for discrimination between atypical and benign lesions using averaged fluorescence mean …
Implementation of laser speckle contrast analysis as connection kit for mobile phone for assessment of skin blood flow
Laser speckle contrast analysis (LASCA) offers a non-contact, full-field, and real-time mapping of capillary blood flow and can be considered as an alternative method to Laser Doppler perfusion imaging. LASCA technique has been implemented in several commercial instruments. However, these systems are still too expensive and bulky to be widely available. Several optical techniques have found new implementations as connection kits for mobile phones thus offering low cost screening devices. In this work we demonstrate simple implementation of LASCA imaging technique as connection kit for mobile phone for primary low-cost assessment of skin blood flow. Stabilized 650 nm and 532 nm laser diode m…
Diffuse reflectance and fluorescence multispectral imaging system for assessment of skin
The diffuse reflectance multispectral imaging technique has been used for distant mapping of in vivo skin chromophores (hemoglobin and melanin). The fluorescence multispectral imaging is not so common for skin applications due to complicity of data acquisition and processing, but could provide additional information about skin fluorophores. Both techniques are compatible, and could be combined into a multimodal solution. The multispectral imaging system Nuance based on liquid crystal tunable filters was adapted for diffuse reflectance and fluorescence spectral imaging of in vivo skin. Uniform illumination was achieved by LED ring light. Combination of four LEDs (warm white, 770 nm, 830 nm a…
Comparison of single-spot technique and RGB imaging for erythema index estimation
A commercially available point measurement device, the Mexameter(®), and an experimental RGB imaging prototype device were used for erythema index estimation of 50 rosacea patients by analysing the level of skin redness on the forehead, both cheeks and both sides of a nose. Results are compared with Clinician's Erythema Assessment (CEA) values given by two dermatologists. The Mexameter uses 568 nm and 660 nm LEDs and a photodetector for estimation of erythema index, while the used prototype device acquired RGB images at 460 nm, 530 nm and 665 nm LED illumination. Several erythema index estimation algorithms were compared to determine which one gives the best contrast between increased eryth…
Feature characterization of scarring and non-scarring types of alopecia by multiphoton microscopy (Conference Presentation)
Treatment and management of alopecia are highly determined by an accurate diagnosis, which can be challenging due to the lack of methods to properly visualize hair follicles. Current standard diagnosis is based on dermoscopy for non-scarring alopecia and scalp biopsy for scarring types of alopecia. Dermoscopy can be inconclusive, while biopsy is a painful procedure. In this study, we used a clinical tomograph based on multiphoton microscopy (MPM) to non-invasively image the scalp of 5 healthy subjects and of 12 patients affected by non-scarring alopecia (androgenetic and areata) and scarring alopecia (frontal fibrosing). MPM is capable of non-invasive in vivo imaging of follicular structure…
Comparison of a near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy system and skin conductance measurements for in vivo estimation of skin hydration: a clinical study
Diffuse reflectance spectroscopy system was developed for estimation of skin hydration in the near-infrared spectral range of 900-1700 nm. Experimental setup consisted of a near-infrared spectrometer, Y-type fiber optics probe with 1 detection and 6 illumination fibers, halogen-tungsten light source and a PC. By analyzing diffuse reflectance spectrum, a parameter representing skin hydration by performing baseline correction and calculating the area under the 1450 nm water absorption maximum is proposed. A clinical study was performed acquiring data of skin hydration of 39 patients' forearm skin. Results of the developed system are compared to results obtained by a commercial device based on…
Multimodal Device for Real-Time Monitoring of Skin Oxygen Saturation and Microcirculation Function
The present study introduces a recently developed compact hybrid device for real-time monitoring of skin oxygen saturation and temperature distribution. The prototype involves a snapshot hyperspectral camera, multi-wavelength illuminator, thermal camera, and built-in computer with custom-developed software. To validate this device in-vivo we performed upper arm vascular occlusion on eight healthy volunteers. Palm skin oxygen saturation maps were analyzed in real-time using k-means segmentation algorithm and two-layer optical diffuse model. The prototype system demonstrated a satisfying performance of skin hyperspectral measurements in the spectral range of 507&ndash
Mobile phone based laser speckle contrast imager for assessment of skin blood flow
Assessment of skin blood flow is of interest for evaluation of skin viability as well as for reflection of the overall condition of the circulatory system. Laser Doppler perfusion imaging (LDPI) and laser speckle contrast imaging (LASCI) are optical techniques used for assessment of skin perfusion. However, these systems are still too expensive and bulky to be widely available. Implementation of such techniques as connection kits for mobile phones have a potential for primary diagnostics. In this work we demonstrate simple and low cost LASCI connection kit for mobile phone and its comparison to laser Doppler perfusion imager. Post-occlusive hyperemia and local thermal hyperemia tests are us…
Mobile platform for online processing of multimodal skin optical images: Using online Matlab server for processing remission, fluorescence and laser speckle images, obtained by using novel handheld device
Mobile platform for multimodal skin assessment has been developed. Different illumination sources allow switching between modalities. Diffuse reflectance spectral imaging is provided by five LEDs, fluorescence is excited by 405 nm LEDs, and laser speckle by 650 nm laser diode. Handheld, battery powered device includes all light sources and color camera with USB. The core of the system is Linux OS embedded microcontroller. USB, FTP and HTML with JavaScript combination is used to create standard image transfer and control interface. In combination with built in WiFi access point it allows online skin images storage and processing. It means that data processing algorithms are located and updat…
Multi-spectral mapping of in vivo skin hemoglobin and melanin
The multi-spectral imaging technique has been used for distant mapping of in-vivo skin chromophores by analyzing spectral data at each reflected image pixel and constructing 2-D maps of the relative concentrations of oxy-/deoxyhemoglobin and melanin. Instead of using a broad visible-NIR spectral range, this study focuses on narrowed spectral band 500-700 nm, so speeding-up the signal processing procedure. Regression analysis confirmed that superposition of three Gaussians is optimal analytic approximation for the oxy-hemoglobin absorption tabular spectrum in this spectral band, while superposition of two Gaussians fits well for deoxy-hemoglobin absorption and exponential function - for mela…
Phantoms Used for Mapping of Skin Chromophores by Multi-spectral Imaging
Skin phantoms can be used for better understanding of diffuse reflectance imaging of skin. In this study, skin phantoms of hemoglobin, bilirubin and melanin were developed and studied for possibilities to calibrate chromophore concentration values.
Determination of chromophore distribution in skin by spectral imaging
Possibilities to determine chromophore distribution in skin by spectral imaging were explored. Simple RGB sensor devices were used for image acquisition. Totally 200 images of 40 different bruises of 20 people were obtained in order to map chromophores bilirubin and haemoglobin. Possibilities to detect water in vitro and in vivo were estimated by using silicon photodetectors and narrow band LEDs. The results show that it is possible to obtain bilirubin and haemoglobin distribution maps and observe changes of chromophore parameter values over time by using a simple RGB imaging device. Water in vitro was detected by using differences in absorption at 450 nm and 950 nm, and 650 nm and 950 nm.
Noninvasive optical diagnostics of enhanced green fluorescent protein expression in skeletal muscle for comparison of electroporation and sonoporation efficiencies.
We highlight the options available for noninvasive optical diagnostics of reporter gene expression in mouse tibialis cranialis muscle. An in vivo multispectral imaging technique combined with fluorescence spectroscopy point measurements has been used for the transcutaneous detection of enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) expression, providing information on location and duration of EGFP expression and allowing quantification of EGFP expression levels. For EGFP coding plasmid (pEGFP-Nuc Vector, 10 μg/50 ml 10 μg/50 ml ) transfection, we used electroporation or ultrasound enhanced microbubble cavitation [sonoporation (SP)]. The transcutaneous EGFP fluorescence in live mice was monit…
Novel hybrid technology for early diagnostics of sepsis
Sepsis is a potentially fatal disease with mortality rate as high as 50% in patients with septic shock; mortality rate can increase by 7.6% per hour if appropriate treatment is not started. Internationally accepted guidelines for diagnosis of sepsis rely on vital sign monitoring and laboratory tests in order to recognize organ failure. This pilot study aims to explore the potential of hyperspectral and thermal imaging techniques to identify and quantify early alterations in skin oxygenation and perfusion induced by sepsis. The study comprises both physiological model experiments on healthy volunteers in a laboratory environment, as well as screening case series of patients with septic shock…
Determination of in vivo skin moisture level by near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy
Near-infrared spectroscopy has a potential for noninvasive determination of skin moisture level due to high water absorption. In this study, diffuse reflectance spectra of in vivo skin were acquired in the spectral range of 900 nm to 1700 nm by using near-infrared spectrometer, optical fiber and halogen bulb light source. Absorption changes after applying skin moisturizers were analyzed over time at different body sites. Results show difference in absorption when comparing dry and normal skin. Comparison of absorption changes over time after applying moisturizer at different body sites is analyzed and discussed. Some patterns of how skin reacts to different skin moisturizers are shown, alth…