Optical coherence tomography (OCT) and OCT angiography: Technological development and applications in brain science

Sep 23, 2026

Uploaded by Jiven

Brain diseases are a leading cause of disability and death worldwide, and early detection is essential for timely intervention and improved patient outcomes. Recent advances in optical coherence tomography (OCT) and OCT angiography (OCTA) enable in vivo, unlabeled, high-resolution 3D microvessel imaging at capillary resolution. This review systematizes progress and remaining challenges in living brain imaging, covering techniques, disease targets, and theoretical approaches. Future laser advances and artificial intelligence may support accurate deep cerebral hemodynamics detection and assist in intraoperative tumor resection.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages19

Reading Time48 min

AccessFree to download

1. Introduction

Brain disorders and clinical burden

Conventional vascular imaging modalities and limitations

Other optical imaging approaches

Rationale for OCT/OCTA in brain science

Review Ivyspring International Publisher Theranostics 2025; 15(1): 122-140. doi: 10.7150/thno.97192 Optical coherence tomography (OCT) and OCT angiography: Technological development and applications in brain science Luyao Yang\#, Pengyu Chen\#, Xiaofei Wen􀀍, Qingliang Zhao􀀍 School of Pen-Tung Sah Institute of Micro-Nano Science and Technology, State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, Department of Vascular & Tumor Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China. \#These authors contributed equally to this work. 􀀍 Corresponding authors: [zhaoql@xmu.edu.cn](zhaoql@xmu.edu.cn); [Xiaofei5132004@163.com](Xiaofei5132004@163.com). © The author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License ([https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)). See [https://ivyspring.com/terms](https://ivyspring.com/terms) for full terms and conditions. Received: 2024.04.10; Accepted: 2024.05.24; Published: 2025.01.01 Abstract Brain diseases are a leading cause of disability and death worldwide. Early detection can lead to earlier intervention and better outcomes for patients. In recent years, optical coherence tomography (OCT) and OCT angiography (OCTA) imaging have been widely used in stroke, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and brain cancer due to their advantages of in vivo, unlabeled, and high-resolution 3D microvessel imaging atthe capillary resolution level. This review summarizes recent advances and challenges in living brain imaging using OCT/OCTA, including technique modality, types of diseases, and theoretical approach. Although there may still be many limitations, with the development of lasers and the advances in artificial intelligence are expected to enable accurate detection of deep cerebral hemodynamics and guide intraoperative tumor resection in vivo in the future. Keywords: optical coherence tomography; brain cancer; ischemic stroke; traumatic brain injury 1. Introduction Brain disorders are diseases that affect the functioning of the human brain and neural system, including stroke, traumatic brain injury and cancer. These diseases have a significant negative impact on the physical and mental health of individuals and cause a substantial socio-economic burden on society. Various factors can cause or worsen brain symptoms. Due to the aging of population and changing lifestyles, the incidence of the brain disorders is increasing globally. According to the World Health Organization, the stroke is responsible for approximately 52 million deaths annually, making it one of the leading causes of human death and disability. In addition, modern lifestyle and environmental factors are also linked to an increased risk of brain diseases. For instance, brain disorders are associated with chronic sleep deprivation, poor dietary habits, high-pressure jobs, stress, smoking, and alcohol abuse. The incidence of brain disorders continues to increase globally due to these multiple causes. Currently, computed tomography angiography (CTA) [1-3], magnetic resonance angiography (MRA)[4-6], digital subtraction angiography (DSA), and ultrasound imaging (US) [7-9] are primary modalities for monitoring and investigating brain diseases. However, these imaging techniques are associated with inherent limitations and shortcomings. CTA delivers high-quality three-dimensional images to detect stenoses, tumors, and other cerebral artery and vein lesions. Nevertheless, CTA is associated with potential risks such as radiation exposure and contrast allergies. DSA employs contrast agents and X-rays to delineate blood vessel structure and hemodynamics, precisely visualizing vascular abnormalities. However, DSA poses sign

FAQs

Why are early detection and imaging important for brain diseases?

Early detection enables earlier intervention, which can improve outcomes for patients. Brain disorders significantly affect physical and mental health and impose a large socio-economic burden.

What are the limitations of conventional brain vascular imaging methods mentioned?

CTA involves radiation and contrast allergy risks, DSA carries risks related to contrast dosage and radiation exposure, MRA is safer but less effective for small-vessel detail, and ultrasound cannot visualize the skull and deep structures effectively.

What imaging advantages do OCT and OCT angiography provide for brain research?

OCT/OCTA support in vivo, unlabeled imaging with high resolution and enable 2D or 3D visualization of microvessels at capillary resolution, which is valuable for studying living brain hemodynamics.

Sep 23, 2026

Uploaded by Jiven