Feasibility of Monte CarlO simulations in Quantitative Tissue Imaging

Abstract

Purpose The feasibility of Monte Carlo simulations as a tool to facilitate quantitative image analysis is investigated by means of simulating light transport in skin phantoms. Methods A Monte Carlo tool is used to compare if simulated fluorescent signals show agreement with measured data. The lipophilic fluorescent probe Nile Red and dedicated skin phantoms are also used in simulations to investigate the influence of the optical properties of the skin on the signal. Results It is shown that the simulated and measured fluorescence signals show linear behavior up to a certain concentration of Nile Red. The simulations of the skin phantoms show the varying influence of single skin layers on the fluorescence signal. A calibration factor for quantitative analysis can be determined for the different skin layers. Conclusion Characterizing the influence of different media on imaging signals is a primary task in developing quantitative analysis methods. Monte Carlo simulations are a useful tool to investigate imaging properties of biological specimen where quantifying signals is important. However, detailed models must be provided.