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Lyons HS, Sassani M, Hyder Y, Mitchell JL, Thaller M, Mollan SP, Sinclair AJ, Blanch RJ. A systematic review of optical coherence tomography findings in adults with mild traumatic brain injury. Eye (Lond) 2024; 38:1077-1083. [PMID: 38238577 PMCID: PMC11009235 DOI: 10.1038/s41433-023-02845-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) is common with many patients suffering disabling long-term sequelae, with visual symptoms frequently reported. There are no objective biomarkers of mTBI that are routinely used in clinical practice. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) has been used in mTBI research, as it enables visualisation of the neuroretina, allowing measurement of the retinal nerve fibre layer and ganglion cell layer. This systematic review aims to appraise the available literature and assess whether there are significant changes within the retinal nerve fibre layer and ganglion cell layer in subjects after mTBI. A systematic review was carried out in accordance with PRISMA guidelines and registered with PROSPERO (Number: CRD42022360498). Four databases were searched for relevant literature published from inception until 1 September 2022. Abstracts and full texts were screened by three independent reviewers. Initial screening of databases yielded 341 publications, of these, three fulfilled all the criteria for inclusion. All three studies showed thinning of the retinal nerve fibre layer, whereas there were no significant changes in the ganglion cell layer. This systematic review demonstrated that thinning of the retinal nerve fibre layer (but not of the ganglion cell layer) is associated with mTBI. It provides preliminary evidence for the use of the retinal nerve fibre layer as a potential biomarker of damage to the visual system in mTBI. Further prospective longitudinal studies ensuring uniform diagnosis and accurate phenotyping of mTBI are needed to understand the effects on the visual system and potential of OCT as a prognostic biomarker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah S Lyons
- Translational Brain Science, Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
- Department of Neurology, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, B15 2WB, UK
| | - Matilde Sassani
- Translational Brain Science, Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
- Department of Neurology, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, B15 2WB, UK
| | - Yousef Hyder
- Translational Brain Science, Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
- Department of Neurology, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, B15 2WB, UK
| | - James L Mitchell
- Translational Brain Science, Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
- Department of Neurology, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, B15 2WB, UK
- Academic Department of Medical Rehabilitation, Defence Medical Rehabilitation, Stanford Hall, Loughborough, UK
| | - Mark Thaller
- Translational Brain Science, Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
- Department of Neurology, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, B15 2WB, UK
| | - Susan P Mollan
- Translational Brain Science, Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, West Midlands, UK
| | - Alexandra J Sinclair
- Translational Brain Science, Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
- Department of Neurology, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, B15 2WB, UK
| | - Richard J Blanch
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, West Midlands, UK.
- Royal Centre for Defence Medicine, Birmingham, UK.
- Neuroscience and Ophthalmology Research Group, Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.
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Stern-Green EA, Klimo KR, Day E, Shelton ER, Robich ML, Jordan LA, Racine J, VanNasdale DA, McDaniel CE, Yuhas PT. Henle fiber layer thickening and deficits in objective retinal function in participants with a history of multiple traumatic brain injuries. Front Neurol 2024; 15:1330440. [PMID: 38379704 PMCID: PMC10876769 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2024.1330440] [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: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction This study tested whether multiple traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) alter the structure of the Henle fiber layer (HFL) and degrade cell-specific function in the retinas of human participants. Methods A cohort of case participants with multiple TBIs and a cohort of pair-matched control participants were prospectively recruited. Directional optical coherence tomography and scanning laser polarimetry measured HFL thickness and phase retardation, respectively. Full-field flash electroretinography (fERG) assessed retinal function under light-adapted (LA) 3.0, LA 30 Hz, dark-adapted (DA) 0.01, DA 3.0, and DA 10 conditions. Retinal imaging and fERG outcomes were averaged between both eyes, and paired t-tests or Wilcoxon signed-rank tests analyzed inter-cohort differences. Results Global HFL thickness was significantly (p = 0.02) greater in cases (8.4 ± 0.9 pixels) than in controls (7.7 ± 1.1 pixels). There was no statistically significant difference (p = 0.91) between the cohorts for global HFL phase retardation. For fERG, LA 3.0 a-wave amplitude was significantly reduced (p = 0.02) in cases (23.5 ± 4.2 μV) compared to controls (29.0 ± 8.0 μV). There were no other statistically significant fERG outcomes between the cohorts. Discussion In summary, the HFL thickens after multiple TBIs, but phase retardation remains unaltered in the macula. Multiple TBIs may also impair retinal function, indicated by a reduction in a-wave amplitude. These results support the potential of the retina as a site to detect TBI-associated pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kelly R. Klimo
- College of Optometry, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Elizabeth Day
- College of Optometry, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Erica R. Shelton
- College of Optometry, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Matthew L. Robich
- College of Optometry, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Lisa A. Jordan
- College of Optometry, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Julie Racine
- Department of Ophthalmology, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Dean A. VanNasdale
- College of Optometry, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | | | - Phillip T. Yuhas
- College of Optometry, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
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Delazer L, Bao H, Lauseker M, Stauner L, Nübling G, Conrad J, Noachtar S, Havla J, Kaufmann E. Association between retinal thickness and disease characteristics in adult epilepsy: A cross-sectional OCT evaluation. Epilepsia Open 2024; 9:236-249. [PMID: 37920967 PMCID: PMC10839337 DOI: 10.1002/epi4.12859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Thinning of the peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (p-RNFL), as measured by optical coherence tomography (OCT), was recently introduced as a promising marker for cerebral neuronal loss in people with epilepsy (PwE). However, its clinical implication remains to be elucidated. We thus aimed to (1) systematically characterize the extent of the retinal neuroaxonal loss in a broad spectrum of unselected PwE and (2) to evaluate the main clinical determinants. METHODS In this prospective study, a spectral-domain OCT evaluation was performed on 98 well-characterized PwE and 85 healthy controls (HCs) (18-55 years of age). All inner retinal layers and the total macula volume were assessed. Group comparisons and linear regression analyses with stepwise backward selection were performed to identify relevant clinical and demographic modulators of the retinal neuroaxonal integrity. RESULTS PwE (age: 33.7 ± 10.6 years; 58.2% female) revealed a significant neuroaxonal loss across all assessed retinal layers (global pRNFL, P = 0.001, Δ = 4.24 μm; macular RNFL, P < 0.001, Δ = 0.05 mm3 ; ganglion cell inner plexiform layer, P < 0.001, Δ = 0.11 mm3 ; inner nuclear layer, INL, P = 0.03, Δ = 0.02 mm3 ) as well as significantly reduced total macula volumes (TMV, P < 0.001, Δ = 0.18 mm3 ) compared to HCs (age: 31.2 ± 9.0 years; 57.6% female). The extent of retinal neuroaxonal loss was associated with the occurrence and frequency of tonic-clonic seizures and the number of antiseizure medications, and was most pronounced in male patients. SIGNIFICANCE PwE presented an extensive retinal neuroaxonal loss, affecting not only the peripapillary but also macular structures. The noninvasive and economic measurement via OCT bears the potential to establish as a practical tool to inform patient management, as the extent of the retinal neuroaxonal loss reflects aspects of disease severity and sex-specific vulnerability. PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY The retina is an extension of the brain and closely connected to it. Thus, cerebral alterations like atrophy reflect also on the retinal level. This is advantageous, as the retina is easily accessible and measureable with help of the optical coherence tomography. Here we report that adults with epilepsy have a significantly thinner retina than healthy persons. Especially people with many big seizures and a lot of medications have a thinner retina. We propose that measurement of the retina can be useful as a marker of disease severity and to inform patient management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luisa Delazer
- Epilepsy Center, Department of NeurologyLMU University Hospital, LMU MunichMunichGermany
| | - Han Bao
- Institute for Medical Information Processing, Biometry, and EpidemiologyLudwig Maximilians UniversityMunichGermany
- Institute for StatisticsMunichGermany
| | - Michael Lauseker
- Institute for Medical Information Processing, Biometry, and EpidemiologyLudwig Maximilians UniversityMunichGermany
| | - Livia Stauner
- Epilepsy Center, Department of NeurologyLMU University Hospital, LMU MunichMunichGermany
| | - Georg Nübling
- Department of NeurologyLMU University Hospital, LMU MunichMunichGermany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative DiseasesMunichGermany
| | - Julian Conrad
- Department of NeurologyLMU University Hospital, LMU MunichMunichGermany
- Division for Neurodegenerative DiseasesUniversitätsmedizin Mannheim, University of HeidelbergHeidelbergGermany
| | - Soheyl Noachtar
- Epilepsy Center, Department of NeurologyLMU University Hospital, LMU MunichMunichGermany
- Department of NeurologyLMU University Hospital, LMU MunichMunichGermany
| | - Joachim Havla
- Institute of Clinical NeuroimmunologyLMU HospitalLMU Hospital, Ludwig Maximilians UniversityMunichGermany
| | - Elisabeth Kaufmann
- Epilepsy Center, Department of NeurologyLMU University Hospital, LMU MunichMunichGermany
- Department of NeurologyLMU University Hospital, LMU MunichMunichGermany
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Barfield JP, Linens S, Mickle A. King-Devick Test in Wheelchair Sports: Identifying Normative Values and Effects of Exertion on Outcomes. Clin J Sport Med 2023; 33:552-556. [PMID: 36853901 DOI: 10.1097/jsm.0000000000001135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To establish normative baseline values on the King-Devick (KD) Test for contact wheelchair sport participants. The secondary purpose was to examine the effect of physical exertion on test score. DESIGN Quasiexperimental. SETTING Competitive disability sport venues before practices or games. PARTICIPANTS One-hundred 43 wheelchair rugby or wheelchair basketball (WBB) players completed the study. Participants were predominantly men (87.5%) and played WBB (84%). INTERVENTION 30-m wheelchair sprint test to fatigue. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE King-Devick Baseline Score. RESULTS Mean KD baseline score was 59.16 ± 15.56 seconds with significant differences ( P < 0.05) identified by sport and impairment type, but not sex. Athletes with spina bifida and cerebral palsy had significantly higher mean baseline KD times than athletes with spinal cord injury. KD scores improved by 3.5% in athletes who reported "light" to "somewhat hard" exertion (RPE = 13). In a subset of athletes who performed sprints until an RPE of 18 was reached, 8 of 12 players (66.7%) demonstrated an improvement in KD score; however, large increases by a few participants caused the noticeable change. CONCLUSIONS Normative values for wheelchair contact sport athletes are meaningfully slower than able-bodied sports participants. KD score improved with exertion with the greater improvement after moderate-intensity compared with vigorous-intensity exercise. These findings can be applied clinically to monitor athlete safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Paul Barfield
- Department of Applied Physiology, Health, and Clinical Sciences, University of North Carolina, Charlotte, NC; and
| | - Shelley Linens
- Department of Applied Physiology, Health, and Clinical Sciences, University of North Carolina, Charlotte, NC; and
| | - Angela Mickle
- Department of Health and Human Performance, Radford University, Radford, VA
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Bell CA, Grossman SN, Balcer LJ, Galetta SL. Vision as a piece of the head trauma puzzle. Eye (Lond) 2023; 37:2385-2390. [PMID: 36801966 PMCID: PMC10397310 DOI: 10.1038/s41433-023-02437-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Approximately half of the brain's circuits are involved in vision and control of eye movements. Therefore, visual dysfunction is a common symptom of concussion, the mildest form of traumatic brain injury (TBI). Photosensitivity, vergence dysfunction, saccadic abnormalities, and distortions in visual perception have been reported as vision-related symptoms following concussion. Impaired visual function has also been reported in populations with a lifetime history of TBI. Consequently, vision-based tools have been developed to detect and diagnose concussion in the acute setting, and characterize visual and cognitive function in those with a lifetime history of TBI. Rapid automatized naming (RAN) tasks have provided widely accessible and quantitative measures of visual-cognitive function. Laboratory-based eye tracking approaches demonstrate promise in measuring visual function and validating results from RAN tasks in patients with concussion. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) has detected neurodegeneration in patients with Alzheimer's disease and multiple sclerosis and may provide critical insight into chronic conditions related to TBI, such as traumatic encephalopathy syndrome. Here, we review the literature and discuss the future directions of vision-based assessments of concussion and conditions related to TBI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carter A Bell
- Department of Neurology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Scott N Grossman
- Department of Neurology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Laura J Balcer
- Department of Neurology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Population Health, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Steven L Galetta
- Department of Neurology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
- Department of Ophthalmology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
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6
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Klimo KR, Stern-Green EA, Shelton E, Day E, Jordan L, Robich M, Racine J, McDaniel CE, VanNasdale DA, Yuhas PT. Structure and function of retinal ganglion cells in subjects with a history of repeated traumatic brain injury. Front Neurol 2022; 13:963587. [PMID: 36034275 PMCID: PMC9412167 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.963587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
This study tested whether repeated traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) alter the objective structure or the objective function of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) in human subjects recruited from an optometry clinic. Case subjects (n = 25) with a history of repeated TBIs (4.12 ± 2.76 TBIs over 0-41 years) and healthy pair-matched control subjects (n = 30) were prospectively recruited. Retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness was quantified with spectral-domain optical coherence tomography, and scanning laser polarimetry measured RNFL phase retardation. Measurements of the photopic negative response were made using full-field flash electroretinography. There was no statistically significant difference (p = 0.42) in global RNFL thickness between the case cohort (96.6 ± 9.4 microns) and the control cohort (94.9 ± 7.0 microns). There was no statistically significant difference (p = 0.80) in global RNFL phase retardation between the case cohort (57.9 ± 5.7 nm) and the control cohort (58.2 ± 4.6 nm). There were no statistically significant differences in the peak time (p = 0.95) of the PhNR or in the amplitude (p = 0.11) of the PhNR between the case cohort (69.9 ± 6.9 ms and 24.1 ± 5.1 μV, respectively) and the control cohort (70.1 ± 8.9 ms and 27.8 ± 9.1 μV, respectively). However, PhNR amplitude was more variable (p < 0.025) in the control cohort than in the case cohort. Within the case cohort, there was a strong positive (r = 0.53), but not statistically significant (p = 0.02), association between time since last TBI and PhNR amplitude. There was also a modest positive (r = 0.45), but not statistically significant (p = 0.04), association between time since first TBI and PhNR amplitude. Our results suggest that there were no statistically significant differences in the objective structure or in the objective function of RGCs between the case cohort and the control cohort. Future large, longitudinal studies will be necessary to confirm our negative results and to more fully investigate the potential interaction between PhNR amplitude and time since first or last TBI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly R. Klimo
- College of Optometry, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | | | - Erica Shelton
- College of Optometry, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Elizabeth Day
- College of Optometry, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Lisa Jordan
- College of Optometry, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Matthew Robich
- College of Optometry, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Julie Racine
- Department of Ophthalmology, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States
| | | | - Dean A. VanNasdale
- College of Optometry, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Phillip T. Yuhas
- College of Optometry, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States,*Correspondence: Phillip T. Yuhas
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Fraser CL, Mobbs R. Visual effects of concussion: A review. Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2021; 50:104-109. [PMID: 34418260 DOI: 10.1111/ceo.13987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Revised: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
A concussion occurs when a direct or indirect force is transmitted to the brain, causing a change in brain function. Given that approximately half the brain circuits are involved in vision and the control of eye movements, a concussion frequently results in visual symptoms. Ophthalmic abnormalities are helpful in the assessment of acute concussion, identified by rapid automized naming tasks and eye movement assessments. In particular, convergence, eye-tracking and the vestibular-ocular motor screening tool may be used. For patients suffering from post-concussion syndrome more than 3 months from the original injury, abnormalities may be found in convergence, accommodation and smooth pursuit. Orthoptic exercises are useful rehabilitation tools to allow patients to return to school, work and recreation. This article provides a brief overview of concussion as it relates to vision and ophthalmic practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clare L Fraser
- Save Sight Institute, Faculty of Health and Medicine, The University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Department of Ophthalmology, Macquarie University Hospital, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Rowena Mobbs
- Department of Neurology, Macquarie University Hospital, New South Wales, Australia
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Saliman NH, Belli A, Blanch RJ. Afferent Visual Manifestations of Traumatic Brain Injury. J Neurotrauma 2021; 38:2778-2789. [PMID: 34269619 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2021.0182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) causes structural and functional damage to the central nervous system including the visual pathway. Defects in the afferent visual pathways affect visual function and in severe cases cause complete visual loss. Visual dysfunction is detectable by structural and functional ophthalmic examinations that are routine in the eye clinic, including examination of the pupillary light reflex and optical coherence tomography (OCT). Assessment of pupillary light reflex is a non-invasive assessment combining afferent and efferent visual function. While a assessment using a flashlight is relatively insensitive, automated pupillometry has 95% specificity and 78.1% sensitivity in detecting TBI-related visual and cerebral dysfunction with an area under the curve of 0.69-0.78. OCT may also serve as a noninvasive biomarker of TBI severity, demonstrating changes in the retinal ganglion cell layer and nerve fiber layer throughout the range of TBI severity even in the absence of visual symptoms. This review discusses the impact of TBI on visual structure and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noor Haziq Saliman
- Neuroscience and Ophthalmology Research Group, Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom.,National Institute for Health Research Surgical Reconstruction and Microbiology Research Centre (NIHR-SRMRC), and University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, United Kingdom.,Ophthalmology Department, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Antonio Belli
- Neuroscience and Ophthalmology Research Group, Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom.,National Institute for Health Research Surgical Reconstruction and Microbiology Research Centre (NIHR-SRMRC), and University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Richard J Blanch
- Neuroscience and Ophthalmology Research Group, Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom.,National Institute for Health Research Surgical Reconstruction and Microbiology Research Centre (NIHR-SRMRC), and University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, United Kingdom.,Ophthalmology Department, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, United Kingdom.,Academic Department of Military Surgery and Trauma, Royal Centre for Defence Medicine, Birmingham, United Kingdom
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Gilmore CS, Lim KO, Garvin MK, Wang JK, Ledolter J, Fenske AL, Gentz CL, Nellis J, Armstrong MT, Kardon RH. Association of Optical Coherence Tomography With Longitudinal Neurodegeneration in Veterans With Chronic Mild Traumatic Brain Injury. JAMA Netw Open 2020; 3:e2030824. [PMID: 33351088 PMCID: PMC7756235 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.30824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) may predispose individuals to progressive neurodegeneration. OBJECTIVE To identify evidence of neurodegeneration through longitudinal evaluation of changes in retinal layer thickness using optical coherence tomography in veterans with a history of mild TBI. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This longitudinal cohort study evaluated veterans who were receiving services at the Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Health Care System. Symptomatic or mild TBI was diagnosed according to the Mayo TBI Severity Classification System. Participants in the age-matched control group had no history of TBI. Participants with any history or evidence of retinal or optic nerve disease that could affect retinal thickness were excluded. Data analysis was performed from July 2019 to February 2020. EXPOSURES The presence and severity of mild TBI were determined through consensus review of self-report responses during the Minnesota Blast Exposure Screening Tool semistructured interview. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Change over time of retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness. RESULTS A total of 139 veterans (117 men [84%]; mean [SD] age, 49.9 [11.1] years) were included in the study, 69 in the TBI group and 70 in the control group. Veterans with mild TBI showed significantly greater RNFL thinning compared with controls (mean [SE] RNFL slope, -1.47 [0.24] μm/y vs -0.31 [0.32] μm/y; F1,122 = 8.42; P = .004; Cohen d = 0.52). Functionally, veterans with mild TBI showed greater declines in visual field mean deviation (mean [SE] slope, -0.09 [0.14] dB/y vs 0.46 [0.23] dB/y; F1,122 = 4.08; P = .046; Cohen d = 0.36) and pattern standard deviation (mean [SE] slope, 0.09 [0.06] dB/y vs -0.10 [0.07] dB/y; F1,122 = 4.78; P = .03; Cohen d = 0.39) and high spatial frequency (12 cycles/degree) contrast sensitivity compared with controls. Cognitively, there was a significantly greater decrease in the number of errors over time during the Groton Maze Learning Test (GMLT) in controls compared with veterans with mild TBI (mean [SE] slope, -9.30 [1.48] errors/y vs -5.23 [1.24] errors/y; F1,127 = 4.43; P = .04; Cohen d = 0.37). RNFL tissue loss was significantly correlated with both worsening performance on the GMLT over time (Spearman ρ = -0.20; P = .03) and mild TBI severity (Spearman ρ = -0.25; P = .006). The more severe the mild TBI (larger Minnesota Blast Exposure Screening Tool severity score), the faster the reduction in RNFL thickness (ie, the more negative the slope) across time. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE This cohort study found longitudinal evidence for significant, progressive neural degeneration over time in veterans with mild TBI, as indicated by greater RNFL tissue loss in patients with mild TBI vs controls, as well as measures of function. These results suggest that these longitudinal measures may be useful biomarkers of neurodegeneration. Changes in this biomarker may provide early detection of subsequent cognitive and functional deficits that may impact veterans' independence and need for care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Casey S. Gilmore
- Minneapolis VA Healthcare System, Minneapolis, Minnesota
- Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Kelvin O. Lim
- Minneapolis VA Healthcare System, Minneapolis, Minnesota
- Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis
| | - Mona K. Garvin
- Center for the Prevention and Treatment of Visual Loss, Iowa City VA Healthcare System, Iowa City, Iowa
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Iowa, Iowa City
| | - Jui-Kai Wang
- Center for the Prevention and Treatment of Visual Loss, Iowa City VA Healthcare System, Iowa City, Iowa
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Iowa, Iowa City
| | - Johannes Ledolter
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Iowa, Iowa City
- Department of Business Analytics and Department of Statistics and Actuarial Science, University of Iowa, Iowa City
| | - Alicia L. Fenske
- Minneapolis VA Healthcare System, Minneapolis, Minnesota
- Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Carolyn L. Gentz
- Minneapolis VA Healthcare System, Minneapolis, Minnesota
- Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Julie Nellis
- Center for the Prevention and Treatment of Visual Loss, Iowa City VA Healthcare System, Iowa City, Iowa
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City
| | - Michael T. Armstrong
- Minneapolis VA Healthcare System, Minneapolis, Minnesota
- Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Randy H. Kardon
- Center for the Prevention and Treatment of Visual Loss, Iowa City VA Healthcare System, Iowa City, Iowa
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City
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10
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Silverstein SM, Demmin DL, Schallek JB, Fradkin SI. Measures of Retinal Structure and Function as Biomarkers in Neurology and Psychiatry. Biomark Neuropsychiatry 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bionps.2020.100018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
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11
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Kelman JC, Hodge C, Stanwell P, Mustafic N, Fraser CL. Retinal nerve fibre changes in sports-related repetitive traumatic brain injury. Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2020; 48:204-211. [PMID: 31691473 DOI: 10.1111/ceo.13673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2019] [Revised: 10/08/2019] [Accepted: 10/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE There is limited literature on the use of optical coherence tomography in the assessment of retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) thickness in sports-related repetitive mild traumatic brain injury. BACKGROUND To evaluate RNFL thickness in professional rugby league players. RNFL thinning may serve as a proxy for wider white matter degeneration. DESIGN Cross-sectional observational study. PARTICIPANTS Thirteen retired Australian professional rugby league players were recruited. METHODS Participants underwent binocular optical coherence tomography to measure RNFL thickness. Each participant underwent a complete ophthalmic assessment to exclude concurrent disease. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES RNFL thickness of each eye were compared with a normative database. RESULTS Participants had played professional Rugby League for 18 years on average and reported sustaining 15 sports-related concussions throughout their career. The RNFL in participants was four micrometres thinner than that of matched normative data. Cohort average RNFL thickness was reduced in 12 out of 14 optical coherence testing parameters. These findings were statistically significant in the left inferonasal [P = .013] and left nasal [P = .006] sectors. There was no statistically significant relationship between RNFL thickness and other visual measures. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE This study is the first to demonstrate RNFL thinning in a cohort of retired Australian professional Rugby League players. RNFL changes have been shown to correlate with cerebral white matter loss and neurodegeneration. Optical coherence tomography may serve as a safe and economical means of screening for repetitive traumatic brain injury related neurodegeneration in contact sport athletes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian C Kelman
- Save Sight Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Christopher Hodge
- Save Sight Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Peter Stanwell
- Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Nina Mustafic
- Save Sight Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Clare L Fraser
- Save Sight Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Vest V, Bernardo-Colón A, Watkins D, Kim B, Rex TS. Rapid Repeat Exposure to Subthreshold Trauma Causes Synergistic Axonal Damage and Functional Deficits in the Visual Pathway in a Mouse Model. J Neurotrauma 2019; 36:1646-1654. [PMID: 30451083 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2018.6046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
We examined the effect of repeat exposure to a non-damaging insult on central nervous system axons using the optic projection as a model. The optic projection is attractive because its axons are spatially separated from the cell bodies, it is easily accessible, it is composed of long axons, and its function can be measured. We performed closed-system ocular neurotrauma in C57Bl/6 mice using bursts of 15 or 26-psi (pounds per square inch) overpressure air that caused no gross damage. We quantified the visual evoked potential (VEP) and total and degenerative axons in the optic nerve. Repeat exposure to a 15-psi air blast caused more axon damage and vision loss than a single exposure to a 26-psi air blast. However, an increased VEP latency was detected in both groups. Exposure to three 15-psi air blasts separated by 0.5 sec caused 15% axon degeneration at 2 weeks. In contrast, no axon degeneration above sham levels was detected when the interinjury interval was increased to 10 min. Exposure to 15-psi air blasts once a day for 6 consecutive days caused 3% axon degeneration. Therefore, repeat mild trauma within an interinjury interval of 1 min or less causes synergistic axon damage, whereas mild trauma repeated at a longer interinjury interval causes additive, cumulative damage. The synergistic damage may underlie the high incidence of traumatic brain injury and traumatic optic neuropathy in blast-injured service members given that explosive blasts are multiple injury events that occur in a very short time span. This study also supports the use of the VEP as a biomarker for traumatic optic neuropathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Vest
- 1 Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | | | - Dexter Watkins
- 3 Department of Mechanical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Bohan Kim
- 2 Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Tonia S Rex
- 1 Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee.,2 Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee
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Childs C, Barker LA, Gage AM, Loosemore M. Investigating possible retinal biomarkers of head trauma in Olympic boxers using optical coherence tomography. Eye Brain 2018; 10:101-110. [PMID: 30588143 PMCID: PMC6299469 DOI: 10.2147/eb.s183042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Changes to retina have been reported after a number of neurodegenerative conditions. The purpose of this study was to investigate retinal structures in Olympic boxers exposed to frequent head blows. Methods Retinal imaging offers potential as a non-invasive biomarker of neuropathology. Macula and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness was measured using optical coherence tomography (OCT) in UK Olympic boxers attending two mandatory eye screening programs, 18 months apart. Data from the two eye screenings provide longitudinal data of retinal change over time. Sedentary healthy subjects (controls) without past or present history of concussion were also screened at the time of the second boxer screening to provide comparison of cross-sectional data. Results Sixteen Olympic boxers aged 20–33 years and 20 sedentary healthy controls, aged 24–45 years, were recruited. Significant macula thickening was observed over time (18 months) in 75% of right and 50% of left eye sectors. For RNFL, left eye quadrants thickened. For right eye RNFL quadrants, thickening and thinning of this layer were observed. Cross-sectional results showed thinner macula sectors and RNFL quadrants in Olympic boxers compared to controls. Conclusion Significant change to macula and RNFL densities, occurring over an 18 month interval is an unexpected finding in otherwise heathy elite sportsmen. In addition, macula and RNFL were thinner than healthy sedentary controls. OCT may prove clinically useful as a candidate retinal biomarker of neuropathological change after mild traumatic brain injury and/or repeat head blows.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charmaine Childs
- Faculty of Health and Wellbeing, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, UK,
| | - Lynne A Barker
- Centre for Behavioural Science and Applied Psychology, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, UK
| | - Alex Md Gage
- Alex Gage Family Optometrist, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, UK
| | - Mike Loosemore
- Institute of Sport, Exercise and Health (ISEH), London, UK
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14
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Subramanian PS. Traumatic brain injury in children: how does it affect the eye and vision? J AAPOS 2018; 22:413-414. [PMID: 30366050 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaapos.2018.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2018] [Accepted: 10/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Prem S Subramanian
- Departments of Ophthalmology, Neurology, and Neurosurgery, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado.
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Hood EA, Klima DW, Chui KK, Avallone NJ. Pre-season concussion assessment utilizing the King-Devick Test. Res Sports Med 2018; 27:467-472. [DOI: 10.1080/15438627.2018.1535434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ethan A. Hood
- Doctor of Physical Therapy Program, DeSales University, Center Valley, PA, USA
| | - Dennis W. Klima
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of Maryland- Eastern Shore, Princess Anne, MD, USA
| | - Kevin K. Chui
- School of Physical Therapy and Athletic Training, Pacific University, Forest Grove, OR, USA
| | - Nicholas J. Avallone
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, St. Luke’s University Health Network, Phillipsburg, NJ, USA
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