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Macular thickness changes using spectral‐domain optical coherence tomography automated layer segmentation in multiple sclerosis
Author(s) -
Barata A.,
Leal I.,
Sousa F.,
Teixeira F.,
Henriques J.,
Pinto F.
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
acta ophthalmologica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.534
H-Index - 87
eISSN - 1755-3768
pISSN - 1755-375X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1755-3768.2017.0t025
Subject(s) - ophthalmology , optical coherence tomography , medicine , inner plexiform layer , nerve fiber layer , foveal , retinal , ganglion cell layer , outer plexiform layer , ganglion , confidence interval , fovea centralis , retina , optics , anatomy , physics
Purpose We aim to study the role of automated layer segmentation in MS patients’ management. Methods Retrospective study that included 39 patients (78 eyes) with confirmed diagnosis of MS and 35 healthy age‐matched controls. Macular spectral‐domain optical coherence tomography scans (SD‐OCT, Heidelberg Engineering, Heidelberg, Germany) were obtained followed by automated retinal layer segmentation at the center of fovea and at a radius of 3–6 mm from the superior, inferior, temporal and nasal sectors (ETDRS grid). Patients with MS were subdivided into two groups: (1) with known previous ON, (2) not known previous ON. Statistical analysis using two sample t‐test was made to calculate significant results between groups with 95% confidence interval. Results Total central and inner layers macular thickness was significantly reduced in MS patients compared to control group (p < 0.05) predominantly due to retinal nerve fibre (RNFL), ganglion cell (GCL) and inner plexiform layers (IPL) reduction in foveal, parafoveal and perifoveal sectors with exception of RFNL temporal sector. GCL and IPL were significantly reduced in foveal and parafoveal sectors between group 1 and 2 (p < 0.05) while no significant RNFL reduction was observed between these groups. Conclusions Reductions in total central and inner layers macular thickness can be detected in MS eyes with or without a previous history of known ON. As many ON episodes are not clinically detected, OCT may act as CNS imaging tool documenting neuronal degeneration in MS patients.