Evidence of subclinical quantitative retinal layer abnormalities in AQP4-IgG seropositive NMOSD

Background: Prior studies have suggested that subclinical retinal abnormalities may be present in aquaporin-4 immunoglobulin G (AQP4-IgG) seropositive neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), in the absence of a clinical history of optic neuritis (ON). Objective: Our aim was to compare retinal layer thicknesses at the fovea and surrounding macula between AQP4-IgG+ NMOSD eyes without a history of ON (AQP4-nonON) and healthy controls (HC). Methods: In this single-center cross-sectional study, 83 AQP4-nonON and 154 HC eyes were studied with spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT). Results: Total foveal thickness did not differ between AQP4-nonON and HC eyes. AQP4-nonON eyes exhibited lower outer nuclear layer (ONL) and inner photoreceptor segment (IS) thickness at the fovea (ONL: −4.01 ± 2.03 μm, p = 0.049; IS: −0.32 ± 0.14 μm, p = 0.029) and surrounding macula (ONL: −1.98 ± 0.95 μm, p = 0.037; IS: −0.16 ± 0.07 μm, p = 0.023), compared to HC. Macular retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL: −1.34 ± 0.51 μm, p = 0.009) and ganglion cell + inner plexiform layer (GCIPL: −2.44 ± 0.93 μm, p = 0.009) thicknesses were also lower in AQP4-nonON compared to HC eyes. Results were similar in sensitivity analyses restricted to AQP4-IgG+ patients who had never experienced ON in either eye. Conclusions: AQP4-nonON eyes exhibit evidence of subclinical retinal ganglion cell neuronal and axonal loss, as well as structural evidence of photoreceptor layer involvement. These findings support that subclinical anterior visual pathway involvement may occur in AQP4-IgG+ NMOSD.

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Inner and outer retinal layer thickness alterations in pediatric and juvenile craniopharyngioma

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/s41598-021-82107-5 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Ga-In Lee ◽

Kyung-Ah Park ◽

Sei Yeul Oh ◽

Doo-Sik Kong ◽

Sang Duk Hong

Keyword(s):

Layer Thickness ◽

Outer Nuclear Layer ◽

Plexiform Layer ◽

Visual Field Defects ◽

Retinal Layer ◽

Inner Plexiform Layer ◽

Healthy Controls ◽

Fiber Layer ◽

Photoreceptor Layer ◽

Chiasmal Compression

AbstractWe evaluated postoperative retinal thickness in pediatric and juvenile craniopharyngioma (CP) patients with chiasmal compression using optical coherence tomography (OCT) auto-segmentation. We included 18 eyes of 18 pediatric or juvenile patients with CP and 20 healthy controls. Each thickness of the macular retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL), ganglion cell layer (GCL), inner plexiform layer (IPL), inner nuclear layer, outer plexiform layer, outer nuclear layer, and photoreceptor layer was compared between the CP patients and healthy controls. There was significant thinning in the macular RNFL (estimates [μm], superior, − 10.68; inferior, − 7.24; nasal, − 14.22), all quadrants of GCL (superior, − 16.53; inferior, − 14.37; nasal, − 24.34; temporal, − 9.91) and IPL (superior, − 11.45; inferior, − 9.76; nasal, − 15.25; temporal, − 4.97) in pediatric and juvenile CP patients postoperatively compared to healthy control eyes after adjusting for age and refractive errors. Thickness reduction in the average and nasal quadrant of RNFL, GCL, and IPL was associated with peripapillary RNFL thickness, and reduced nasal quadrant GCL and IPL thicknesses were associated with postoperative visual field defects. In pediatric and juvenile patients with CP, decreased inner retinal layer thickness following chiasmal compression was observed. The changes in retinal structures were closely related to peripapillary RNFL thinning and functional outcomes.

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Macula structural and vascular differences in glaucoma eyes with and without high axial myopia

10.1101/2021.09.02.21263045 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Jasmin Rezapour ◽

Christopher Bowd ◽

Jade Dohleman ◽

Akram Belghith ◽

James A. Proudfoot ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Ganglion Cell ◽

Axial Length ◽

Plexiform Layer ◽

Positive Association ◽

Mean Deviation ◽

Ganglion Cell Complex ◽

Inner Plexiform Layer ◽

Fiber Layer ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Axial Myopia

AbstractAimsTo assess the thickness of various retinal layers, and the superficial vessel density (sVD) in the macula of glaucomatous eyes and their associations with axial length (AL) and visual field mean deviation (VFMD) to identify parameters useful for glaucoma management in myopic eyes.Methods248 glaucoma patients (401 eyes) participating in the Diagnostic Innovations in Glaucoma Study observational cohort representing 3 axial myopia groups (non-myopia: n=146 eyes; mild myopia: n=208 eyes; high myopia (AL>26 mm): n=47 eyes) who completed macular OCT and OCT-Angiography imaging were included. The cross-sectional associations of AL and VFMD with the thickness of the ganglion cell inner plexiform layer (GCIPL), macular retinal nerve fiber layer (mRNFL), ganglion cell complex (GCC), sVD and macular choroidal thickness (mCT) were evaluated.ResultsThinner Global GCIPL and GCC were significantly associated with worse VFMD (R2=35.1%; and R2=33.4%; respectively p<0.001), but not with AL (all p>0.350). Thicker mRNFL showed a weak association with increasing AL (R2=3.4%; p=0.001) and a positive association with VFMD (global R2=20.5%; p<0.001). Lower sVD was weakly associated with increasing AL (R2=2.3%; p=0.016) and more strongly associated with more severe glaucoma VFMD (R2=31.8%; p<0.001). Thinner mCT was associated with increasing AL (R2=17.3% p<0.001) and not associated with VFMD (P=0.262). mRNFL was thickest while mCT was thinnest in all sectors of high myopic eyes.ConclusionsGCIPL and GCC thinned with increasing severity of glaucoma but were not significantly associated with axial length. GCIPL and GCC thickness may be useful clinical parameters to identify glaucoma in myopic eyes.

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Multicenter reliability of semiautomatic retinal layer segmentation using OCT

Neurology Neuroimmunology & Neuroinflammation ◽

10.1212/nxi.0000000000000449 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 5 (3) ◽

pp. e449 ◽

Cited By ~ 47

Author(s):

Timm Oberwahrenbrock ◽

Ghislaine L. Traber ◽

Sebastian Lukas ◽

Iñigo Gabilondo ◽

Rachel Nolan ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Spatial Distribution ◽

Outer Nuclear Layer ◽

Intraclass Correlation ◽

Plexiform Layer ◽

Retinal Layer ◽

Inner Plexiform Layer ◽

Automated Segmentation ◽

Fiber Layer ◽

Retinal Layers ◽

Manual Correction

ObjectiveTo evaluate the inter-rater reliability of semiautomated segmentation of spectral domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) macular volume scans.MethodsMacular OCT volume scans of left eyes from 17 subjects (8 patients with MS and 9 healthy controls) were automatically segmented by Heidelberg Eye Explorer (v1.9.3.0) beta-software (Spectralis Viewing Module v6.0.0.7), followed by manual correction by 5 experienced operators from 5 different academic centers. The mean thicknesses within a 6-mm area around the fovea were computed for the retinal nerve fiber layer, ganglion cell layer (GCL), inner plexiform layer (IPL), inner nuclear layer, outer plexiform layer (OPL), and outer nuclear layer (ONL). Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were calculated for mean layer thickness values. Spatial distribution of ICC values for the segmented volume scans was investigated using heat maps.ResultsAgreement between raters was good (ICC > 0.84) for all retinal layers, particularly inner retinal layers showed excellent agreement across raters (ICC > 0.96). Spatial distribution of ICC showed highest values in the perimacular area, whereas the ICCs were poorer for the foveola and the more peripheral macular area. The automated segmentation of the OPL and ONL required the most correction and showed the least agreement, whereas differences were less prominent for the remaining layers.ConclusionsAutomated segmentation with manual correction of macular OCT scans is highly reliable when performed by experienced raters and can thus be applied in multicenter settings. Reliability can be improved by restricting analysis to the perimacular area and compound segmentation of GCL and IPL.

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Microstructural visual system changes in AQP4-antibody–seropositive NMOSD

Neurology Neuroimmunology & Neuroinflammation ◽

10.1212/nxi.0000000000000334 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 4 (3) ◽

pp. e334 ◽

Cited By ~ 64

Author(s):

Frederike C. Oertel ◽

Joseph Kuchling ◽

Hanna Zimmermann ◽

Claudia Chien ◽

Felix Schmidt ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Visual System ◽

Diffusion Tensor ◽

Transverse Myelitis ◽

Plexiform Layer ◽

Inner Plexiform Layer ◽

Fiber Layer ◽

Foveal Thickness ◽

Microstructural Changes ◽

History Of ◽

Afferent Visual System

Objective:To trace microstructural changes in patients with aquaporin-4 antibody (AQP4-ab)-seropositive neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSDs) by investigating the afferent visual system in patients without clinically overt visual symptoms or visual pathway lesions.Methods:Of 51 screened patients with NMOSD from a longitudinal observational cohort study, we compared 6 AQP4-ab–seropositive NMOSD patients with longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis (LETM) but no history of optic neuritis (ON) or other bout (NMOSD-LETM) to 19 AQP4-ab–seropositive NMOSD patients with previous ON (NMOSD-ON) and 26 healthy controls (HCs). Foveal thickness (FT), peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL) thickness, and ganglion cell and inner plexiform layer (GCIPL) thickness were measured with optical coherence tomography (OCT). Microstructural changes in the optic radiation (OR) were investigated using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). Visual function was determined by high-contrast visual acuity (VA). OCT results were confirmed in a second independent cohort.Results:FT was reduced in both patients with NMOSD-LETM (p = 3.52e−14) and NMOSD-ON (p = 1.24e−16) in comparison with HC. Probabilistic tractography showed fractional anisotropy reduction in the OR in patients with NMOSD-LETM (p = 0.046) and NMOSD-ON (p = 1.50e−5) compared with HC. Only patients with NMOSD-ON but not NMOSD-LETM showed neuroaxonal damage in the form of pRNFL and GCIPL thinning. VA was normal in patients with NMOSD-LETM and was not associated with OCT or DTI parameters.Conclusions:Patients with AQP4-ab–seropositive NMOSD without a history of ON have microstructural changes in the afferent visual system. The localization of retinal changes around the Müller-cell rich fovea supports a retinal astrocytopathy.

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Association of Retinal Layer Thickness With Cognition in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis

Neurology Neuroimmunology & Neuroinflammation ◽

10.1212/nxi.0000000000001018 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 8 (4) ◽

pp. e1018

Author(s):

Sharon Jean Baetge ◽

Michael Dietrich ◽

Melanie Filser ◽

Alina Renner ◽

Nathalie Stute ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Multiple Sclerosis ◽

Layer Thickness ◽

Short Term Memory ◽

Cognitive Status ◽

Retinal Layer ◽

Inner Plexiform Layer ◽

Fiber Layer ◽

Related Factors ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Potential Marker

ObjectiveRetinal layer thickness (RLT) measured by optical coherence tomography (OCT) is considered a noninvasive, cost-efficient marker of neurodegeneration in multiple sclerosis (MS). We aimed to investigate associations of RLT with cognitive performance and its potential as indicator of cognitive status in patients with MS by performing generalized estimating equation (GEE) analyses.MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, patients with at least mild signs of cognitive impairment were examined by OCT as well as by the Brief International Cognitive Assessment for MS and tests assessing attention and executive functions (Trail Making Test [TMT] A and B). Associations of these factors were investigated using GEE models controlling for demographic and disease-related factors and correcting for multiple testing.ResultsA total of 64 patients entered the study. In the final sample (n = 50 [n = 14 excluded due to missing data or drop-outs]; n = 44 relapsing-remitting MS and n = 6 secondary progressive MS, mean Expanded Disability Status Scale score = 2.59 [SD = 1.17], disease duration [median] = 7.34 [interquartile range = 12.1]), 36.0% were cognitively impaired. RLT of the macular retinal nerve fiber layer was associated with performance in TMT-B (β = −0.259). Analyses focusing on the upper and lower tertile of RLT additionally revealed associations between macular ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer and TMT-B and verbal short-term memory and learning, respectively.ConclusionIn patients with MS, at less advanced disease stages, RLT was especially associated with cognitive flexibility promoting OCT as a potential marker advocating further extensive neuropsychological examination.

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Retinal Sensitivity and Ganglion Cell-Related Retinal Layer Thickness in the Normal Aging Process

10.21203/rs.3.rs-149830/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Makoto Araie ◽

Makoto Fujii ◽

Yuko Ohno ◽

Yuki Tanaka ◽

Tsutomu Kikawa ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Ganglion Cell ◽

Layer Thickness ◽

Mixed Model ◽

Linear Mixed Model ◽

Plexiform Layer ◽

Retinal Layer ◽

Inner Plexiform Layer ◽

Fiber Layer ◽

Nerve Fiber Layer Thickness ◽

Ocular Media

Abstract Aging-associated changes in visual field (VF) sensitivity were compared prospectively and longitudinally with the circumpapillary retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (cpRNFLT) and macular ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer thickness (GCIPLT) changes in the corresponding retinal areas of the same eyes (72 eyes of 37 normal Japanese subjects; mean age, 51.3 years). The Humphrey Field Analyzer 24-2 test (HFA 24-2) and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) measurements of the cpRNFLT and GCIPLT in a 0.6-mm-diameter circle corresponding to the four central points of HFA 24-2 adjusted for retinal ganglion cell displacement (GCIPLT4TestPoints) were performed every 3 months for 3 years. The tiem changes of the mean sensitivity over the entire field (VFmean) and the four central points (VF4TestPoints), cpRNFLT, and GCIPLT4TestPoints were analyzed using a linear mixed model. The aging-associated decline rates of VFmean and VF4TestPoins were 0.12 and 0.19 decibels/year (p<0.001), which significantly accelerated with increased subjects’ age (0.009 and 0.010 decibels/year, p<0.001, respectively) without changes in the ocular media. Those of the CpRNFLT and GCIPLT4TestPoints were not significant in both (p>0.114), but significantly accelerated with increased subjects’ age (0.021 and 0.010 mm/year, p=0.001 and 0.004, respectively). These results have implications in studying physiological aging- or desease-related changes in these parameters.

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Cognitive impairment in patients with multiple sclerosis is associated with atrophy of the inner retinal layers

Multiple Sclerosis Journal ◽

10.1177/1352458517694090 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 24 (2) ◽

pp. 158-166 ◽

Cited By ~ 17

Author(s):

Danko Coric ◽

Lisanne J Balk ◽

Merike Verrijp ◽

Anand Eijlers ◽

Menno M Schoonheim ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Multiple Sclerosis ◽

Cognitive Impairment ◽

Plexiform Layer ◽

Strong Relationship ◽

Cognitively Impaired ◽

Retinal Layer ◽

Inner Plexiform Layer ◽

Fiber Layer ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Potential Biomarker

Background: Inner retinal layer (IRL) atrophy is a potential biomarker for neurodegeneration in multiple sclerosis (MS). Objective: To investigate the relationship between cognitive impairment and IRL atrophy in MS. Methods: Cross-sectional study design, including 217 patients and 59 healthy controls. Subjects were investigated clinically, underwent retinal optical coherence tomography (OCT) and comprehensive cognitive assessments. The association between these modalities was evaluated by regression analyses. Results: Of the patients, 44.2% were cognitively impaired. In the absence of multiple sclerosis–associated optic neuritis (MSON), cognitively impaired patients had a significantly lower mean peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL, Δ: 8.13 µm, p < 0.001) and mean macular ganglion cell–inner plexiform layer (mGCIPL, Δ: 11.50 µm, p < 0.001) thickness compared to cognitively preserved patients. There was a significant association between the presence of cognitive impairment and pRNFL (odds ratio (OR): 1.11, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.04–1.18, p = 0.001) and mGCIPL (OR = 1.11, 95% CI = 1.05–1.18, p < 0.001) atrophy. This association was masked by the severe IRL atrophy seen following MSON. Conclusion: The strong relationship between cognitive impairment across multiple cognitive domains and atrophy of the pRNFL and mGCIPL in patients who never suffered from MSON suggests that OCT is useful in assessing central nervous system neurodegeneration in MS.

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Comparison of neuroglobin distribution and expression in the retina of adult yak and cattle

Medycyna Weterynaryjna ◽

10.21521/mw.6477 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 76 (12) ◽

pp. 6477-2020

Author(s):

XIAOHUA DU ◽

JAMES BLACKAR MAWOLO ◽

XIAOYU MI ◽

YANG YANG ◽

XIA LIU

Keyword(s):

Optic Nerve ◽

Ganglion Cell ◽

Ganglion Cell Layer ◽

Cell Layer ◽

Outer Nuclear Layer ◽

Plexiform Layer ◽

Normal Function ◽

Inner Plexiform Layer ◽

Fiber Layer ◽

Oxygen Homeostasis

The yak belongs to the genus Bos and is therefore related to cattle (Bos primigenius species). The yak may have diverged from cattle at any point between one and five million years ago, and the yak is supposed to be more closely related to cattle than to other members of its designated genus. Here, we evaluated the distribution of neuroglobin (NGB) expression in the retina of adult yak and cattle. Five healthy yaks and five cattle were used in the study. Immunohistochemical stainings were performed to assess the distribution of NGB in the retina of adult yak and cattle. The results demonstrated that NGB was expressed at high levels in the retina of adult yak and cattle in the ganglion cell layer, outer plexiform layer, photoreceptor inner segments, and pigment epithelial layer (+++). Medium NGB expression was found in the nerve fiber layer, ganglion cell layer, inner plexiform layer, and photoreceptor outer segments (++). In contrast, NGB was only weakly expressed in the inner nuclear layer (+), while no expression was found in the outer nuclear layer (–). Expression in the inner limiting membrane, outer limiting membrane, and optic nerves of the cattle was weak (+) and comparable to expression in the adult yak. No NGB expression was found in the outer nuclear layer of both yak and cattle. The level of NGB expression in the retinal ganglion cell layer, kernel layer, optic nerve, and photoreceptor inner segments was significantly higher in yak than in cattle (P < 0.05). These results suggest that NGB might play an important role in oxygen homeostasis of the retina and normal function of the optic nerve of yak and cattle under high-altitude hypoxic conditions. Nevertheless, its specific functional mechanism needs further investigation.

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The Analysis of Intra-retinal Layers with Automatic Optical Coherence Tomography Segmentation in Healthy Subjects

Ophthalmology Research An International Journal ◽

10.9734/or/2018/v9i430092 ◽

2019 ◽

pp. 1-13

Author(s):

Osman Ahmet Polat ◽

Ali Kurt ◽

Raşit Kılıç ◽

Özkan Kocamış

Keyword(s):

Axial Length ◽

Pigment Epithelium ◽

Outer Nuclear Layer ◽

Plexiform Layer ◽

Inner Plexiform Layer ◽

Fiber Layer ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Positive Correlation ◽

Retinal Layers ◽

Department Of Ophthalmology

Aims: To give normative databases of each retinal layers on OCT images in the healthy Caucasian population in Turkey and investigate the relevance of the data with factors such as age, gender, axial length and refraction. Study Design: Prospective, cross sectional, descriptive study. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Kirsehir Ahi Evran University, Kirsehir/TURKEY. Between September 2017 and March 2018. Methodology: 133 participants underwent full ophthalmologic examination and spectral domain OCT imaging (Spectralis, Heidelberg Engineering, Germany). After the automatic segmentation, central 1 mm and 1-3 mm superior, inferior, nasal and temporal thicknesses of retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL), ganglion cell layer (GCL), inner plexiform layer (IPL), inner nuclear layer (INL), outer plexiform layer (OPL), outer nuclear layer (ONL), retina pigment epithelium (RPE), inner retinal layers (IRL), outer retinal layers (ORL) and total retina thickness (TRT) analyzed with respect to age, gender, axial length and refraction (spherical equivalent). Results: Central 1 mm INL, ONL, ORL, IRL and TRT and four quadrants of pericentral 1-3 mm thicknesses of RPE had positive correlation with the age. All the sections of total retina, RNFL, GCL, IPL, INL, ONL and IRL thicknesses were significantly thicker in males compared to females. The thicknesses of all RNFL sections and central 1 mm circle thicknesses of TRT, IPL, INL, OPL, RPE and IRL had positive correlation with the axial length. Conclusion: A normative database for thicknesses of intra-retinal layers in Turkish population was presented in the study and significant impacts of the age, gender and axial length were presented.

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Macular Retinal Layer Thickness and Associated Factors. The Beijing Eye Study 2011

10.21203/rs.2.1755/v1 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Qian Wang ◽

Wen Bin Wei ◽

Ya Xing Wang ◽

Yan Ni Yan ◽

Jing Yan Yang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Ganglion Cell ◽

Ganglion Cell Layer ◽

Cell Layer ◽

Outer Nuclear Layer ◽

Plexiform Layer ◽

Population Based ◽

Retinal Layer ◽

Inner Plexiform Layer ◽

Beijing Eye Study ◽

Retinal Layers

Abstract Background Diagnosis and follow-up of retinal diseases may be improved if the thickness of the various retinal layers, in addition to the total retinal thickness, is taken into account. Here we measured the thickness of the macular retinal layers in a population-based study group to assess the normative values and their associations. Methods Using spectral-domain optical coherence tomographic images, we measured the thickness of the macular retinal layers in participants of the population-based Beijing Eye Study without ocular diseases and without arterial hypertension, hyperlipidemia and diabetes mellitus. Results The study included 384 subjects (mean age:60.0±8.0 years). In multivariable analysis, the thickness of the retinal layers in the foveal region, of all retinal layers except for the outer plexiform layer in the parafoveal area, and the thickness of the ganglion cell layer, inner plexiform layer and inner and outer nuclear layer in the perifoveal area decreased with older age (all P<0.05). Men as compared to women had higher thickness measurements of the photoreceptor layer and outer nuclear layer in all areas, and of all layers between the retinal nerve fiber layer and inner nuclear layer in the parafovea area. The associations between the macular retinal layers thickness and axial length were not consistent. The inner plexiform layer was thicker, and the ganglion cell layer and inner nuclear layer were thinner, in the temporal areas than in the nasal areas, Conclusions The associations between decreasing thickness of most retinal layers with older age and the correlation of a higher thickness of some retinal layer layers with male gender may clinically be taken into account.

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