SDF imaging for assessing mucosal microcirculation and its correlation with OSMF

Side stream dark field (SDF) imaging technology is a latest invention in the filed of medicine where in it measures the micro circulation at submucosal level. Its use has been observed in oral mucositis secondary to melphalan treatment. It has been used to monitor the post treatment mucositis in individuals subjected to chemotherapy. So could it be used in oral submucous fibrosis patients who have blanching of buccal mucosa secondary to constricted blood vessels and hence compromised micro vasculature. Nowadays vasodialators are more commonly used in the treatment of OSMF which has yielded favorable results. Hence this particular imaging modality SDF could be used to monitor the management of OSMF and also determine the exact amount of improvement. Herewith this paper highlights the detailed use of SDF and its possible use in OSMF patients. Keywords: side stream dark field, oral submucous fibrosis, microcirculation, perfusion