Use of Mueller matrix colposcopy in the characterization of cervical collagen anisotropy

Preterm birth (PTB) presents a serious medical heath concern in both economically developed and developing nations, with incidence rate from 15%-11% respectively. Changes in cervical collagen bundle orientation and distribution may prove to be a predictor of PTB. Polarization imaging is an effective means to measure optical anisotropy in birefringent biological tissue such as those rich in collagen. Non-invasive, full-field Mueller Matrix polarimetry (MMP) imaging methodologies, optical coherence tomography (OCT), and second harmonic generation (SHG) microscopy were used to assess cervical collagen content and structure in non-pregnant cervices. In vivo studies using a Mueller Matrix colposcope are underway. Further studies of cervical collagen orientation throughout pregnancy are needed to understand if Mueller matrix polarimetry can effectively identify at-risk conditions for PTB.