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Gao R, Luo H, Yan S, Ba L, Peng S, Bu B, Sun X, Zhang M. Retina as a potential biomarker for the early stage of Alzheimer's disease spectrum. Ann Clin Transl Neurol 2024. [PMID: 39120694 DOI: 10.1002/acn3.52172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 07/14/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To characterize the retinal microvasculature and structure in subjective cognitive decline (SCD) and identify the potential biomarker for the early stage of the Alzheimer's disease (AD) spectrum. METHODS In this study, 35 patients with SCD, 36 with cognitive impairment, and 29 with normal cognition (NC) were enrolled. Optical coherence tomography angiography was employed to assess retinal vascular density, fovea avascular zone area, and retinal thickness. The parameters reflecting retinal perfusion and structure were compared among the three groups. In addition, the association between retinal parameters, cerebral blood flow (CBF), and peripheral blood biomarkers in the SCD stage was analyzed. RESULTS The superficial vascular complex (SVC) vascular density in the macula and retinal nerve fiber layer thickness in the peripapillary were significantly reduced in individuals with SCD compared to NC. Furthermore, there was a positive correlation between macular ganglion cell complex thickness and CBF in SCD. INTERPRETATION The retinal microvasculature and structure exhibit alterations in individuals with SCD. Macular ganglion cell complex thickness demonstrates correlations with cerebral perfusion. The retina holds potential as a novel biomarker for early detection of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Gao
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Huan Luo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400000, China
| | - Su Yan
- Department of Radiology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Li Ba
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Sirui Peng
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Bitao Bu
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Xufang Sun
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Min Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
- Department of Neurology, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030000, China
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Chaliha DR, Vaccarezza M, Charng J, Chen FK, Lim A, Drummond P, Takechi R, Lam V, Dhaliwal SS, Mamo JCL. Using optical coherence tomography and optical coherence tomography angiography to delineate neurovascular homeostasis in migraine: a review. Front Neurosci 2024; 18:1376282. [PMID: 38686331 PMCID: PMC11057254 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1376282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Migraine is one of the world's most debilitating disorders, and it has recently been shown that changes in the retina can be a potential biomarker for the disease. These changes can be detected by optical coherence tomography (OCT), which measures retinal thickness, and optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA), which measures vessel density. We searched the databases Google Scholar, ProQuest, Scopus, and Web of Science for studies in English using OCT and OCTA in migraineurs, using the search terms "optical coherence tomography," "OCT," "optical coherence tomography angiography," "OCTA" and "migraine." We found 73 primary studies, 11 reviews, and 8 meta-analyses pertaining to OCT and OCTA findings in migraineurs. They showed that migraineurs had reduced retinal thickness (via OCT), retinal vessel density, and greater foveal avascular zone area (via OCTA) than controls. OCTA changes reflect a perfusion compromise occurring in migraineurs as opposed to in healthy controls. OCT and OCTA deficits were worse in migraine-with-aura and chronic migraine than in migraine-without-aura and episodic migraine. Certain areas of the eye, such as the fovea, may be more vulnerable to these perfusion changes than other parts. Direct comparison between study findings is difficult because of the heterogeneity between the studies in terms of both methodology and analysis. Moreover, as almost all case-control studies were cross-sectional, more longitudinal cohort studies are needed to determine cause and effect between migraine pathophysiology and OCT/OCTA findings. Current evidence suggests both OCT and OCTA may serve as retinal markers for migraineurs, and further research in this field will hopefully enable us to better understand the vascular changes associated with migraine, perhaps also providing a new diagnostic and therapeutic biomarker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devahuti R. Chaliha
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
- Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Population Health, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Mauro Vaccarezza
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin Medical School, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Jason Charng
- Centre for Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences (Lions Eye Institute), The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
- Department of Optometry, School of Allied Health, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Fred K. Chen
- Centre for Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences (Lions Eye Institute), The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
- Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Amy Lim
- Department of Optometry, School of Allied Health, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Peter Drummond
- Centre for Healthy Ageing, Health Futures Institute, Murdoch University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Ryusuke Takechi
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
- Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Population Health, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
- Perron Institute Neurological and Translational Sciences, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Virginie Lam
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
- Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Population Health, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
- Perron Institute Neurological and Translational Sciences, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Satvinder S. Dhaliwal
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
- Duke-NUS Medical School, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine (INFORMM), Universiti Sains Malaysia, Gelugor, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
- Singapore University of Social Sciences, Singapore, Singapore
| | - John C. L. Mamo
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
- Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Population Health, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
- Perron Institute Neurological and Translational Sciences, Perth, WA, Australia
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Rauscher FG, Bernardes R. Retinal OCT biomarkers and their association with cognitive function-clinical and AI approaches. DIE OPHTHALMOLOGIE 2024:10.1007/s00347-024-01988-9. [PMID: 38381373 DOI: 10.1007/s00347-024-01988-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
Retinal optical coherence tomography (OCT) biomarkers have the potential to serve as early, noninvasive, and cost-effective markers for identifying individuals at risk for cognitive impairments and neurodegenerative diseases. They may also aid in monitoring disease progression and evaluating the effectiveness of interventions targeting cognitive decline. The association between retinal OCT biomarkers and cognitive performance has been demonstrated in several studies, and their importance in cognitive assessment is increasingly being recognized. Machine learning (ML) is a branch of artificial intelligence (AI) with an exponential number of applications in the medical field, particularly its deep learning (DL) subset, which is widely used for the analysis of medical images. These techniques efficiently deal with novel biomarkers when their outcome for the applications of interest is unclear, e.g., for diagnosis, prognosis prediction, disease staging, or any other relevance to clinical practice. However, using AI-based tools for medical purposes must be approached with caution, despite the many efforts to address the black-box nature of such approaches, especially due to the general underperformance in datasets other than those used for their development. Retinal OCT biomarkers are promising as potential indicators for decline in cognitive function. The underlying mechanisms are currently being explored to gain deeper insights into this relationship linking retinal health and cognitive function. Insights from neurovascular coupling and retinal microvascular changes play an important role. Further research is needed to establish the validity and utility of retinal OCT biomarkers as early indicators of cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases in routine clinical practice. Retinal OCT biomarkers could then provide a new avenue for early detection, monitoring and intervention in cognitive impairment with the potential to improve patient care and outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska G Rauscher
- Leipzig Research Centre for Civilisation Diseases (LIFE), Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany.
- Institute for Medical Informatics, Statistics, and Epidemiology, Leipzig University, Haertelstraße 16-18, 04107, Leipzig, Germany.
- Centre for Medical Informatics - Department of Medical Data Science, Leipzig University Medical Center, Leipzig, Germany.
| | - Rui Bernardes
- Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research (CIBIT), Institute for Nuclear Sciences Applied to Health (ICNAS), University of Coimbra, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548, Coimbra, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), Faculty of Medicine (FMUC), University of Coimbra, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548, Coimbra, Portugal
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Rauscher FG, Bernardes R. [Retinal optical coherence tomography biomarkers and their association with cognitive functions : Clinical and artificial intelligence approaches. German version]. DIE OPHTHALMOLOGIE 2024; 121:105-115. [PMID: 38285070 DOI: 10.1007/s00347-024-01985-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
Retinal optical coherence tomography (OCT) biomarkers have the potential to serve as early, noninvasive, and cost-effective markers for identifying individuals at risk for cognitive impairments and neurodegenerative diseases. They may also aid in monitoring disease progression and evaluating the effectiveness of interventions targeting cognitive decline. The association between retinal OCT biomarkers and cognitive performance has been demonstrated in several studies, and their importance in cognitive assessment is increasingly being recognized. Machine learning (ML) is a branch of artificial intelligence (AI) with an exponential number of applications in the medical field, particularly its deep learning (DL) subset, which is widely used for the analysis of medical images. These techniques efficiently deal with novel biomarkers when their outcome for the applications of interest are unclear, e.g., for the diagnosis, prognosis prediction and disease staging. However, using AI-based tools for medical purposes must be approached with caution, despite the many efforts to address the black-box nature of such approaches, especially due to the general underperformance in datasets other than those used for their development. Retinal OCT biomarkers are promising as potential indicators for decline in cognitive function. The underlying mechanisms are currently being explored to gain deeper insights into this relationship linking retinal health and cognitive function. Insights from neurovascular coupling and retinal microvascular changes play an important role. Further research is needed to establish the validity and utility of retinal OCT biomarkers as early indicators of cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases in routine clinical practice. Retinal OCT biomarkers could then provide a new avenue for early detection, monitoring and intervention in cognitive impairment with the potential to improve patient care and outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska G Rauscher
- Leipzig Research Centre for Civilisation Diseases (LIFE), Leipzig University, Leipzig, Deutschland.
- Institute for Medical Informatics, Statistics, and Epidemiology , Leipzig University, Härtelstr 16-18, 04107, Leipzig, Deutschland.
- Centre for Medical Informatics - Department of Medical Data Science, Leipzig University Medical Center, Leipzig, Deutschland.
| | - Rui Bernardes
- Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research (CIBIT), Institute for Nuclear Sciences Applied to Health (ICNAS), University of Coimbra, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548, Coimbra, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), Faculty of Medicine (FMUC), University of Coimbra, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548, Coimbra, Portugal
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Meng L, Chen L, Zhang C, Chen H, Yang J, Wang Y, Zhang W, Cheng S, Zhao Q, Zhao X, Chen Y. Quantitative assessment of retinal vasculature changes in systemic lupus erythematosus using wide-field OCTA and the correlation with disease activity. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1340224. [PMID: 38348025 PMCID: PMC10859513 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1340224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose To assess the retinal vasculature changes quantitatively using wide-field optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and explore its correlation with systemic clinical features. Design Prospective, cross-sectional, observational study. Participants and controls Patients with SLE who presented to the Ophthalmology Department of Peking Union Medical College Hospital from November 2022 to April 2023 were collected. The subjects were divided into retinopathy and without retinopathy groups. Age and gender-matched healthy subjects were selected as controls. Methods Patients with SLE and control subjects were imaged with 24×20 mm OCTA scans centered on the fovea and 6×6 mm OCTA scans centered on the optic disc. The sub-layers of OCTA images were stratified by the built-in software of the device and then the retinal thickness and vessel density were measured automatically. The characteristics of retinal OCTA parameters of SLE and its correlation with systemic clinical indicators of patients without retinopathy were analyzed. Main outcome measures OCTA parameters, visual acuity, intraocular pressure, and systemic clinical indicators of patients such as disease activity index, autoimmune antibodies, and inflammatory marker levels were collected. Results A total of 102 SLE patients were included, 24 of which had retinopathy, and 78 had unaffected retina. Wide-field OCTA could effectively detect retinal vascular obstruction, non-perfusion area, and morphological abnormalities in patients with lupus retinopathy. SLE patients without retinopathy had significantly higher retinal superficial vessel density (SVD) in foveal (P=0.02), para-foveal temporal (P=0.01), nasal (P=0.01), peripheral foveal temporal (P=0.02), and inferior areas (P=0.02), as well as subregion temporal (P=0.01) and inferior areas (P=0.03) when compared with healthy controls (n=65 eyes from 65 participants). The area under curve (AUC) value of subregion inferior SVD combined parafoveal temporal SVD was up to 0.70. There was a significantly positive correlation between SVD and disease activity in SLE without retinopathy group. Patients with severe activity had the most significant increase in SVD. Conclusion Wide-field OCTA can provide a relatively comprehensive assessment of the retinal vasculature in SLE. In the absence of pathological changes of the retina, the SVD was significantly increased and was positively correlated with the disease activity of SLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lihui Meng
- Department of Ophthalmology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Lulu Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Chenxi Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Huan Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Jingyuan Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yuelin Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Wenfei Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Shiyu Cheng
- Department of Ophthalmology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Qing Zhao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Xinyu Zhao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Youxin Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
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