Noninvasive, in vivo assessment of the cervical microcirculation using incident dark field imaging

This study evaluates the feasibility of handheld vital microscopy for noninvasive, objective assessment microcirculation human uterine cervix. We qualitatively and quantitatively describe in healthy subjects order to provide a basis its application cervical pathology. Incident dark field imaging was used image four quadrants ectocervix ten participants. If squamocolumnar junction visible, measurements were repeated on endocervical columnar epithelium as well. Image acquisition time recorded participants scored experienced level discomfort. Angioarchitecture classified according Weber's classification. Quantitative parameters included capillary density (CD), total perfused vessel (TVD, PVD), proportion vessels (PPV) microvascular flow index (MFI). easy, fast well tolerated. characterized by two distinctive organized patterns; loops underneath squamous vascular networks epithelium. In sequences containing loops, mean CD 33.2 cpll/mm2 (95% CI 28.2–38.2 cpll/mm2). with networks, TVD 12.5 mm/mm2 11.2–13.77 mm/mm2), PVD 12.2 11.0–13.5 MFI 3 PPV 100%. allows real visualization evaluation quantification The patterns optimal perfusion observed allow comparison pathology, example patients dysplasia or cancer.