A Proposal to Perform High Contrast Imaging of Human Palatine Tonsil with Cross Polarized Optical Coherence Tomography

The palatine tonsils provide the first line of immune defense against foreign pathogens inhaled or ingested. However, a disruption in epithelial layer within tonsil crypts can lead to recurrent acute tonsillitis (RAT). Current imaging techniques suffer from poor resolution and contrast do not allow classification severity RAT. We have developed cross-polarized optical coherence tomography system. system detect change polarization light after light-tissue interaction. demonstrate improved with method. Intensity, as well retardance images excised tissue, were acquired. Features such crypt epithelium, lymphoid follicles, dense connective tissue observed contrast. Cross polarized be valuable tool clinic evaluate it would visualizing common features without need for any external agent.