scholarly journals Microperimetry as a diagnostic tool for the detection of early, subclinical retinal damage and visual impairment in multiple sclerosis

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Landon J. Rohowetz ◽  
Qui Vu ◽  
Lilit Ablabutyan ◽  
Sean M. Gratton ◽  
Nancy Kunjukunju ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Optical Coherence Tomography ◽  
Visual Acuity ◽  
Macular Thickness ◽  
Retinal Damage ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Control Subjects ◽  
Macular Sensitivity ◽  
History Of ◽  
Multiple Sclerosis Patients

Abstract Background A majority of multiple sclerosis patients experience visual impairment, often as the initial presenting symptom of the disease. While structural changes in the retinal nerve fiber layer and optic nerve have demonstrated correlations with brain atrophy in multiple sclerosis using magnetic resonance imaging, a non-invasive, cost-effective, and clinically efficacious modality to identify early damage and facilitate prompt therapeutic intervention to slow the progression of multiple sclerosis and its ocular manifestations, is still urgently needed. In this study, we sought to determine the role of macular sensitivity measured by microperimetry in the detection of subclinical multiple sclerosis-related retinal damage and visual dysfunction. Methods This cross-sectional observational case-control study involved population-based samples of multiple sclerosis patients and age-, race-, and gender-matched healthy control subjects. Among the key criteria for the multiple sclerosis patients were diagnosis by the McDonald criteria, visual acuity greater than 20/25, and no history of optic neuritis. Macular sensitivity and average macular thickness were measured in all subjects using microperimetry and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography, respectively. Pearson correlation coefficients were measured using bivariate correlations. Sample means, mean differences, and 95% confidence intervals were calculated using independent sample t-tests. Results Twenty-eight eyes from 14 MS patients and 18 eyes from 9 control subjects were included. Mean macular sensitivity of control subjects and multiple sclerosis patients in decibels was 18.2 ± 0.4 and 16.5 ± 0.4, respectively, corresponding to a mean difference of 1.7 (95% CI, 1.1–2.4; P < 0.001). Macular sensitivity was positively correlated with macular thickness in multiple sclerosis patients (r = 0.49, P = 0.01) but not control subjects (r = 0.15, P = 0.55). Conclusions Macular sensitivity as measured by microperimetry was decreased in multiple sclerosis patients with normal visual acuity and no history of optic neuritis. Furthermore, macular sensitivity demonstrated a positive correlation with macular thickness as measured by optical coherence tomography. As such, microperimetry may represent a non-invasive and efficient method to identify signs of subclinical visual dysfunction that correspond with early macular architectural changes characteristic of multiple sclerosis.

scholarly journals Correlation of optic neuritis and retinal nerve fibre thickness using optical coherence tomography in a cohort of multiple sclerosis patients

2016 ◽  
Vol 75 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Izanne Roos ◽  
Rajeshree Budhoo ◽  
Linda Visser ◽  
Ahmed I. Bhigjee
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Optical Coherence Tomography ◽  
Optic Neuritis ◽  
Nerve Fibre ◽  
Optical Coherence ◽  
Macular Volume ◽  
Rnfl Thickness ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
History Of ◽  
Multiple Sclerosis Patients

Background: Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a fast, non-invasive imaging technology that produces 3D, high-resolution images of the retina. Direct visualisation of the retina allows a unique opportunity to study the effects of multiple sclerosis (MS)-associated neurodegeneration on retinal ganglion cells as well as effects of retrobulbar demyelination on axonal and retinal architecture through measurement of retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) thickness and total macular volume (TMV). These findings are clinically important as axonal loss is irreversible and correlates with disability.Aim: To determine the role and usefulness of OCT in a local cohort of MS patients.Setting: Neurology Clinic, Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.Methods: Nineteen patients with MS currently being treated with interferon β-1b underwent OCT examination of both eyes. RNFL thickness and macular volume were measured and correlated with clinical disease characteristics, history of optic neuritis and level of disability.Results: Mean RNFL thickness was 77.3 μm with no significant difference in mean RNFL in eyes with a history of optic neuritis (ON) and those without (p = 0.4). Eyes with a history of ON did, however, have significantly thinner RNFL compared with the contralateral eye (p = 0.04). Despite a strong correlation between TMV and RNFL (p = 0.001), a subset of patients with normal RNFL had TMV that was less than 1% of what was expected. There was no correlation between RNFL and disability scores.Conclusion: OCT enables a direct axonal ‘optical biopsy’, for monitoring disease progression and treatment response in MS. RNFL thinning occurs independently of a history of optic neuritis and may represent a chronic optic neuropathy in patients with MS.Keywords: Multiple sclerosis; optical coherence tomography

Optical coherence tomography in patients with a history of juvenile multiple sclerosis reveals early retinal damage

2014 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 86-92 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. Huhn ◽  
R. Lämmer ◽  
T. Oberwahrenbrock ◽  
A. Lämmer ◽  
A. Waschbisch ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Optical Coherence Tomography ◽  
Retinal Damage ◽  
Optical Coherence ◽  
History Of

Natural History of Idiopathic Epiretinal Membrane in Eyes with Good Vision Assessed by Spectral-Domain Optical Coherence Tomography

2015 ◽  
Vol 234 (2) ◽  
pp. 91-100 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ik Soo Byon ◽  
Gang Yun Pak ◽  
Han Jo Kwon ◽  
Kyong Ho Kim ◽  
Sung Who Park ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Optical Coherence Tomography ◽  
Visual Acuity ◽  
Natural History ◽  
Visual Function ◽  
Epiretinal Membrane ◽  
Membrane Separation ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Optical Coherence ◽  
Idiopathic Epiretinal Membrane ◽  
History Of

Purpose: To investigate the natural history of idiopathic epiretinal membrane (ERM) in eyes with good visual function using optical coherence tomography (OCT). Methods: Sixty-two eyes of 58 patients with idiopathic ERM, visual acuity of 20/40 or better, and no significant metamorphopsia were included. The best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central macular thickness (CMT), membrane configuration, and ellipsoid zone signal data over 24 months were retrospectively analyzed. Based on OCT findings, ERM configurations were categorized as global attachment (GA), partial attachment (PA), pseudohole, and vitreomacular traction (VMT). Results: The mean BCVA and CMT did not change significantly between baseline and 24 months. GA, PA, pseudohole, and VMT types were observed in 33, 19, 9, and 1 eye at baseline, and in 20, 22, 10, and 1 eye at 24 months, respectively. A membrane configuration change was noted in 24 eyes (38.7%) during follow-up, and the distribution shifted from GA to the other types (p < 0.001). Six eyes had visual loss due to membrane progression, and 4 eyes had spontaneous membrane separation. Of the 10 eyes with progression or separation, 6 were of the PA type. Conclusions: Although the BCVA remains stable over 2 years in most idiopathic ERM eyes with good visual function at baseline, the membrane configuration may change, affecting visual acuity. The GA type would be an early stage, and the PA type is prone to changes in visual acuity.

Agreement analysis comparing iPad LCVA and Sloan testing in multiple sclerosis patients

2017 ◽  
Vol 24 (8) ◽  
pp. 1126-1130 ◽  
Author(s):  
Neda Sattarnezhad ◽  
Samantha Farrow ◽  
Dorlan Kimbrough ◽  
Bonnie Glanz ◽  
Brian Healy ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Visual Acuity ◽  
T Test ◽  
Computerized Testing ◽  
Low Contrast ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Increased Sensitivity ◽  
The Right ◽  
Multiple Sclerosis Patients ◽  
Paired T Test

Background: Visual symptoms are common in multiple sclerosis (MS). Low-contrast visual acuity (LCVA) testing using Sloan charts has demonstrated increased sensitivity for visual deficits compared to high-contrast acuity testing. Computerized testing of visual acuity may facilitate use in the clinic setting. Objectives: To evaluate the agreement between an iPad-based and Sloan testing of LCVA in a cohort of MS patients. Methods: A total of 38 patients with relapsing-remitting MS were enrolled after providing informed written consent at Partners MS Center, Brigham and Women’s hospital. Monocular LCVA was measured using retroilluminated Sloan chart and iPad-based LogMAR chart. Number of correct letters and agreement between two measurements were assessed for each eye using Bland–Altman analysis and paired t-test. Results: For both eyes, there was no significant difference in number correct between the two measurements using a paired t-test, and there was high correlation between two measurements (oculus dextrus (OD) r = 0.89, p < 0.001; oculus sinister (OS) r = 0.78, p < 0.001). The limits of agreement were −7.9 to +8.5 letters for the right eye and −10.9 to +11.2 letters for the left eye. Conclusion: An iPad-based LCVA test shows good agreement with Sloan testing in MS patients.

Clinical course in multiple sclerosis patients presenting with a history of progressive disease

2014 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 67-71 ◽  
Author(s):  
K.S. Pandey ◽  
S.C. Krieger ◽  
C. Farrell ◽  
C. Hannigan ◽  
T. DeAngelis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Progressive Disease ◽  
Clinical Course ◽  
History Of ◽  
Multiple Sclerosis Patients

scholarly journals Pain syndrome patterns and their characteristics in multiple sclerosis patients

2021 ◽  
Vol 27 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 36-45
Author(s):  
M.I. Bozhenko ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Pain Syndrome ◽  
Persistent Pain ◽  
Pain Syndromes ◽  
Constant Pain ◽  
Average Pain ◽  
History Of ◽  
Multiple Sclerosis Patients ◽  
Syndrome Patterns ◽  
Paroxysmal Pain

Aim of the research is to analyze the patterns of pain syndromes and their characteristics in multiple sclerosis patients. Materials and Methods. A total of 104 multiple sclerosis patients complaining of pain during the last month were examined in Lviv Regional Multiple Sclerosis Center. We analyzed medical records, performed general medical and neurological examinations and compiled history of lifestyle, illness and pain. The VAS and PainDetect questionnaires were used to assess the characteristics of pain syndromes. The patients were asked to choose one of the 4 typical patterns of pain, which best described their feelings. Then the analysis of pain syndrome patterns and their characteristics was carried out. Results and Discussions. All 4 typical patterns of pain syndromes were registered in multiple sclerosis patients. However, only 26.92% of the participants experienced an intermittent pain pattern. The rest of patients suffered from patterns characterized by persistent pain. The evaluation of the patterns and their characteristics revealed typical features. The highest intensity of the severest and average pain during the last month was present in the patients suffering from constant pain with distinct attacks: 8.0 [7.0; 9.0] points (p<0.05) and 7.0 [5.0; 8.0] points (p<0.05), respectively. Persistent paroxysmal pain was more common in the multiple sclerosis patients with neuropathic pain (43.8±8.8% vs 20.4±5.8%, p<0.05). Irradiating pain is also characteristic to this pattern in 52.9±8.6% of patients (p<0.05). The head is the most common pain localization in the patients experiencing persistent pain with severe attacks - 82.4±9.2% of cases (p<0.05). Conclusions. Pain is a permanent symptom in a significant number of multiple sclerosis patients. It can have different patterns of progression. However, it has typical characteristics and their understanding will aid in the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of pain syndromes in multiple sclerosis patients

Objective duplex ultrasound evaluation of the extracranial circulation in multiple sclerosis patients undergoing venoplasty of internal jugular vein stenoses: A pilot study

2013 ◽  
Vol 30 (2) ◽  
pp. 98-104 ◽  
Author(s):  
P Thibault ◽  
W Lewis ◽  
S Niblett
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Blood Flow ◽  
Cerebral Perfusion ◽  
Objective Assessment ◽  
Duplex Ultrasound ◽  
Additional Parameter ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Venous Circulation ◽  
Ultrasound Evaluation ◽  
Multiple Sclerosis Patients

Objective Chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency (CCSVI) is a condition associated with multiple sclerosis (MS) and manifested by stenoses in the extracranial venous circulation. There is a need for an objective non-invasive assessment of CCSVI that is able to accurately identify the location of stenoses and quantify physiological changes in blood flows following treatment. Method A duplex ultrasound method, extracranial duplex ultrasound (ECDU), is described where the internal jugular veins (IJVs) and vertebral veins (VVs) were examined in the supine and sitting position before and after venoplasty in eight patients with clinically diagnosed MS. High-resolution B-mode imaging was used to detect obvious stenoses, intra-luminal membranes, valve abnormalities and vein wall thickening. ECDU was then used to assess blood flow including reflux. To assess obstruction, venous blood volume flows (BVFs) were taken bilaterally from the proximal (J1), mid (J2) and distal (J3) segments of the IJVs and the mid cervical VVs. To assess cerebral perfusion, bilateral BVF measurements were taken, in the supine position only, from the proximal internal carotid arteries (ICA) and mid cervical vertebral arteries (VA). The global arterial cerebral blood flow (GACBF) was then calculated as the sum of the ICA and VA measurements. Results Pre-venography ECDU detected IJV stenoses or obstruction in all patients. Venography findings were consistent with those of the pre-treatment ECDU with the exception of the detection of bilateral IJV stenoses in two patients diagnosed with unilateral IJV stenosis by ECDU. A significant improvement in GACBF was evident following venoplasty ( p < 0.05). A trend to improvement in the post-treatment BVFs of both the IJVs and the mid cervical VVs was also observed. This improvement was most marked in the left VVs ( p = 0.052) and the J2 segment of right IJVs ( p < 0.05). Conclusion The ECDU examination described provides a reliable objective assessment of IJV and VV stenoses and, with the use of BVFs, can quantify the degree of obstruction. These results support the use of ECDU as a non-invasive post-operative assessment of the success of venoplasty. The ability of ECDU to measure GACBF provides an additional parameter to monitor vascular pathophysiology in MS patients. The current findings support the view that the early symptomatic benefits observed after venoplasty for stenoses in the extracranial venous circulation may be the result of increased cerebral perfusion.

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