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Kwapong WR, Yan Y, Cao L, Wang H, Ye C, Jiang S, Tao W, Wu B. Retinal Ischemic Perivascular Lesion Reflects Cerebral Small Vessel Disease Burden in Single Subcortical Infarction. J Am Heart Assoc 2024; 13:e033081. [PMID: 38639343 PMCID: PMC11179934 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.123.033081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Retinal ischemic perivascular lesions (RIPLs) are an indicator of ischemia in the middle retina. We aimed to determine the relationship between RIPLs and single subcortical infarction (SSI). We also investigated the differences in cerebral small vessel disease imaging burden between groups with and without RIPLs in SSI. METHODS AND RESULTS In this case-control study, we enrolled 82 patients with SSI and 72 nonstroke controls. All participants underwent magnetic resonance imaging and swept-source optical coherence tomography/optical coherence tomography angiography. Small vessel disease markers such as lacunes, cerebral microbleeds, white matter hyperintensity, and perivascular spaces were rated on brain imaging. RIPLs were assessed via swept-source optical coherence tomography. Optical coherence tomography angiography was used to measure the superficial vascular complex and deep vascular complex of the retina. After adjusting for risk factors, the presence of RIPLs was significantly associated with SSI (odds ratio [OR], 1.506 [95% CI, 1.365-1.662], P<0.001). Eyes with RIPLs showed lower deep vascular complex density (P=0.035) compared with eyes without RIPLs in patients with SSI. After adjusting for vascular risk factors, the presence of RIPLs in patients with SSI was associated with an increased periventricular white matter hyperintensity burden (β=0.414 [95% CI, 0.181-0.647], P<0.001) and perivascular spaces-basal ganglia (β=0.296 [95% CI, 0.079-0.512], P=0.008). CONCLUSIONS RIPLs are associated with SSI independent of underlying risk factors. The relationship between the presence of RIPLs and small vessel disease markers provides evidence that RIPLs might be an additional indicator of cerebral ischemic changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- William R. Kwapong
- Department of NeurologyWest China Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Yuying Yan
- Department of NeurologyWest China Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Le Cao
- Department of NeurologyWest China Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Hang Wang
- Department of NeurologyWest China Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Chen Ye
- Department of NeurologyWest China Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Shuai Jiang
- Department of NeurologyWest China Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Wendan Tao
- Department of NeurologyWest China Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Bo Wu
- Department of NeurologyWest China Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
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Luo Y, Wang D, Jia Y, Gu X, Zang Y, Zhu Z, Zheng J, Huang L, Zhao J. White matter hyperintensity, parent artery steno-occlusion, and neurological deterioration in anterior circulation single subcortical infarction patients. Brain Behav 2024; 14:e3523. [PMID: 38747752 PMCID: PMC11095297 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.3523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The evidence for the association between white matter hyperintensity (WMH) severity and neurological deterioration (ND) in patients with single subcortical infarction (SSI) remains unclear and whether the association between them is modified by anterior circulation parent artery steno-occlusion (PAS) is unknown. Herein, we aimed to prospectively investigate the internal relevance. METHODS In this prospective study, the severity of WMH and PAS were assessed in 288 consecutive patients with anterior circulation SSI arriving at our hospital, a tertiary teaching hospital affiliated with Fudan University, 24 h after onset from January 2017 to December 2018. The multivariable logistic regression model was used to estimate the association between WMH severity and the risk of ND within 7 days after stroke onset as well as the interactive effect between WMH severity and PAS on ND among patients with SSI. RESULTS PAS modified the association between WMH severity and ND among patients with SSI (pinteraction = .029). After multivariate adjustment, the odds ratios of moderate-severe WMH associated with ND were 1.61 (95% CI, 0.50-5.19; ptrend = .428) for patients with PAS, and 0.37 (95% CI, 0.14-0.97; ptrend = .043) for those without PAS. Adding WMH severity to conventional risk factors improved risk prediction for ND in patients without PAS (net reclassification improvement: 48.2%, p = .005; integrated discrimination index: 2.5%, p = .004) but not in those with PAS. CONCLUSION There was a modified effect of PAS on the association between WMH severity and ND within 7 days after stroke onset among patients with anterior circulation SSI, which deserves more research attention. WMH was negatively associated with ND in anterior circulation SSI patients without PAS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunhe Luo
- Department of NeurologyMinhang HospitalFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Daosheng Wang
- Department of NeurosurgeryMinhang HospitalFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Yiming Jia
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Preventive and Translational Medicine for Geriatric DiseasesMedical College of Soochow UniversitySuzhouChina
| | - Xin Gu
- Department of NeurologyMinhang HospitalFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Yuhan Zang
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Preventive and Translational Medicine for Geriatric DiseasesMedical College of Soochow UniversitySuzhouChina
| | - Zhengbao Zhu
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Preventive and Translational Medicine for Geriatric DiseasesMedical College of Soochow UniversitySuzhouChina
| | - Jin Zheng
- Department of NeurologyMinhang HospitalFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Ligang Huang
- Department of NeurologyShanghai Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghaiChina
- Shanghai Neurological Rare Disease Biobank and Precision Diagnostic Technical Service PlatformShanghaiChina
| | - Jing Zhao
- Department of NeurologyMinhang HospitalFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
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Pan R, Ye C, Zhang Z, Kwapong WR, Wang R, Lu K, Liao L, Yan Y, Yang T, Cao L, Jiang S, Zhang X, Liu J, Tao W, Wu B. Distinct alterations of retinal structure between thalamic and extra-thalamic subcortical infarction patients: A cross-sectional and longitudinal study. CNS Neurosci Ther 2024; 30:e14543. [PMID: 38018655 PMCID: PMC11017429 DOI: 10.1111/cns.14543] [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: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS Cerebrovascular lesions in the primary visual cortex, the lateral geniculate nucleus, and the optic tract have been associated with retinal neurodegeneration via the retrograde degeneration (RD) mechanism. We aimed to use optical coherence tomography (OCT) to assess the effects of the strategic single subcortical infarction (SSI) location on retinal neurodegeneration and its longitudinal impacts. METHODS Patients with SSI were enrolled and stratified by lesion location on cerebral MRI into the thalamic infarction group and extra-thalamic infarction group. Healthy controls from the native communities were also recruited. Retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) and ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (GCIPL) were quantified using OCT. Generalized estimating equation (GEE) models were used for cross-sectional analyses and linear mixed models for longitudinal analyses. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS We included a total of 283 eyes from 149 SSI patients. Of these, 115 eyes of 60 patients with follow-up were included in the longitudinal analyses. Cross-sectionally, thalamic-infarction patients had reduced retinal thickness compared with extra-thalamic infarction patients after adjustment for age, gender, disease duration, and vascular risk factors (p = 0.026 for RNFL, and p = 0.026 for GCIPL). Longitudinally, SSI patients showed greater retinal thinning compared with healthy controls over time (p = 0.040 for RNFL, and p < 0.001 for GCIPL), and thalamic infarction patients exhibited faster rates of GCIPL thinning in comparison with extra-thalamic infarction patients (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION Our study demonstrates a distinct effect of subcortical infarction lesion site on the retina both at the early stage of disease and at the 1-year follow-up time. These results present evidence of significant associations between strategic infarction locations and retinal neurodegeneration. It may provide novel insights for further research on RD in stroke patients and ultimately facilitate individualized recovery therapeutic strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruosu Pan
- Department of NeurologyWest China Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
- Center of Cerebrovascular DiseasesWest China Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Chen Ye
- Department of NeurologyWest China Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
- Center of Cerebrovascular DiseasesWest China Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Zhimeng Zhang
- West China School of MedicineSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | | | - Ruilin Wang
- Department of OphthalmologyWest China Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Kun Lu
- Department of NeurologyWest China Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Lanhua Liao
- Department of NeurologyWest China Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Yuying Yan
- Department of NeurologyWest China Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Tang Yang
- Department of NeurologyWest China Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Le Cao
- Department of NeurologyWest China Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Shuai Jiang
- Department of NeurologyWest China Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Xuening Zhang
- Department of NeurologyWest China Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Junfeng Liu
- Department of NeurologyWest China Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
- Center of Cerebrovascular DiseasesWest China Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Wendan Tao
- Department of NeurologyWest China Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
- Center of Cerebrovascular DiseasesWest China Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Bo Wu
- Department of NeurologyWest China Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
- Center of Cerebrovascular DiseasesWest China Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
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Shen Z, Zhang S, Yu W, Yue M, Hong C. Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography: Revolutionizing Clinical Diagnostics and Treatment in Central Nervous System Disease. Aging Dis 2024:AD.2024.0112. [PMID: 38300645 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2024.0112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA), as a new generation of non-invasive and efficient fundus imaging technology, can provide non-invasive assessment of vascular lesions in the retina and choroid. In terms of anatomy and development, the retina is referred to as an extension of the central nervous system (CNS). CNS diseases are closely related to changes in fundus structure and blood vessels, and direct visualization of fundus structure and blood vessels provides an effective "window" for CNS research. This has important practical significance for identifying the characteristic changes of various CNS diseases on OCTA in the future, and plays a key role in promoting early screening, diagnosis, and monitoring of disease progression in CNS diseases. This article reviews relevant fundus studies by comparing and summarizing the unique advantages and existing limitations of OCTA in various CNS disease patients, in order to demonstrate the clinical significance of OCTA in the diagnosis and treatment of CNS diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeqi Shen
- Postgraduate training base Alliance of Wenzhou Medical University (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Sheng Zhang
- Center for Rehabilitation Medicine, Department of Neurology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Weitao Yu
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Mengmeng Yue
- Postgraduate training base Alliance of Wenzhou Medical University (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Chaoyang Hong
- Center for Rehabilitation Medicine, Department of Ophthalmology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
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Ye C, Kwapong WR, Tang B, Liu J, Tao W, Lu K, Pan R, Wang A, Liao L, Yang T, Cao L, Wang Y, Jiang S, Zhang X, Liu M, Wu B. Association between functional network connectivity, retina structure and microvasculature, and visual performance in patients after thalamic stroke: An exploratory multi-modality study. Brain Behav 2024; 14:e3385. [PMID: 38376035 PMCID: PMC10794127 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.3385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Neuro-ophthalmologic symptoms and retinal changes have been increasingly observed following thalamic stroke, and there is mounting evidence indicating distinct alterations occurring in the vision-related functional network. However, the intrinsic correlations between these changes are not yet fully understood. Our objective was to explore the altered patterns of functional network connectivity and retina parameters, and their correlations with visual performance in patients with thalamic stroke. METHODS We utilized resting-state functional MRI to obtain multi-modular functional connectivity (FC), and optical coherence tomography-angiography to measure various retina parameters, such as the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL), ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (GCIPL), superficial vascular complex (SVC), and deep vascular complex. Visual acuity (VA) was used as a metric for visual performance. RESULTS We included 46 patients with first-ever unilateral thalamic stroke (mean age 59.74 ± 10.02 years, 33 males). Significant associations were found between FC of attention-to-default mode and SVC, RNFL, and GCIPL, as well as between FC of attention-to-visual and RNFL (p < .05). Both RNFL and GCIPL exhibited significant associations with FC of visual-to-visual (p < .05). Only GCIPL showed an association with VA (p = .038). Stratified analysis based on a disease duration of 6 months revealed distinct and significant linking patterns in multi-modular FC and specific retina parameters, with varying correlations with VA in each subgroup. CONCLUSION These findings provide valuable insight into the neural basis of the associations between brain network dysfunction and impaired visual performance in patients with thalamic stroke. Our novel findings have the potential to inform future targeted and individualized therapies. However, further comprehensive studies are necessary to validate our results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Ye
- Department of NeurologyWest China Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
- Center of Cerebrovascular DiseasesWest China Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - William Robert Kwapong
- Department of NeurologyWest China Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
- Center of Cerebrovascular DiseasesWest China Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Biqiu Tang
- Department of Radiology, Huaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC)West China Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Junfeng Liu
- Department of NeurologyWest China Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
- Center of Cerebrovascular DiseasesWest China Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Wendan Tao
- Department of NeurologyWest China Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
- Center of Cerebrovascular DiseasesWest China Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Kun Lu
- Department of NeurologyWest China Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Ruosu Pan
- Department of NeurologyWest China Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Anmo Wang
- Department of NeurologyWest China Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Lanhua Liao
- Department of NeurologyWest China Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Tang Yang
- Department of NeurologyWest China Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Le Cao
- Department of NeurologyWest China Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Youjie Wang
- Department of NeurologyWest China Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Shuai Jiang
- Department of NeurologyWest China Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Xuening Zhang
- Department of NeurologyWest China Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Ming Liu
- Department of NeurologyWest China Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
- Center of Cerebrovascular DiseasesWest China Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Bo Wu
- Department of NeurologyWest China Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
- Center of Cerebrovascular DiseasesWest China Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
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Kwapong WR, Cao L, Pan R, Wang H, Ye C, Tao W, Liu J, Wu B. Retinal microvascular and structural changes in intracranial hypertension patients correlate with intracranial pressure. CNS Neurosci Ther 2023; 29:4093-4101. [PMID: 37287365 PMCID: PMC10651994 DOI: 10.1111/cns.14298] [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: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS We aimed to evaluate the retinal microvascular and structural changes in intracranial hypertension (IH) patients compared with an age- and sex-matched control group. We also investigated the association between clinical parameters and retinal changes in IH patients. METHODS Intracranial hypertension patients were divided into eyes with papilledema (IH-P) and eyes without papilledema (IH-WP). IH patients underwent lumbar puncture to measure intracranial pressure (ICP); visual acuity was performed using the Snellen chart. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) was used to image and measure the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) and ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (GCIPL) while OCT angiography was used to image and measure the superficial vascular complex (SVC) and deep vascular complex (DVC). RESULTS Intracranial hypertension patients showed reduced microvascular densities and thinner retinal thicknesses compared with the control group (all p < 0.001). Compared with the control group, IH-P showed reduced microvascular densities and thinner retinal thicknesses (all p < 0.001). IH-P showed reduced SVC density and thinner retinal thicknesses when compared with IH-WP (p = 0.008 for SVC, p = 0.025 for RNFL, and p = 0.018 for GCIPL). ICP correlated with the microvascular densities and GCIPL thickness in IH patients (p = 0.025 for GCIPL, p = 0.004 for SVC, and p = 0.002 for DVC). A significant association of ICP with SVC (p = 0.010) and DVC (p = 0.005) densities were also found in IH-P. CONCLUSIONS Given the observed differences in these noninvasive retinal imaging markers, further research into their clinical utility in IH is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Le Cao
- Department of Neurology, West China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Ruosu Pan
- Department of Neurology, West China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Hang Wang
- Department of Neurology, West China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Chen Ye
- Department of Neurology, West China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Wendan Tao
- Department of Neurology, West China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Junfeng Liu
- Department of Neurology, West China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Bo Wu
- Department of Neurology, West China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
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Liu J, Tao W, Guo X, Kwapong WR, Ye C, Wang A, Wu X, Wang Z, Liu M. The Association of Retinal Microvasculature With Gray Matter Changes and Structural Covariance Network: A Voxel-Based Morphometry Study. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2023; 64:40. [PMID: 38153752 PMCID: PMC10756243 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.64.15.40] [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: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Increasing evidence suggests that retinal microvasculature may reflect global cerebral atrophy. However, little is known about the relation of retinal microvasculature with specific brain regions and brain networks. Therefore, we aimed to unravel the association of retinal microvasculature with gray matter changes and structural covariance network using a voxel-based morphometry (VBM) analysis. Methods One hundred and forty-four volunteers without previously known neurological diseases were recruited from West China Hospital, Sichuan University between April 1, 2021, and December 31, 2021. Retinal microvasculature of superficial vascular plexus (SVP), intermediate capillary plexus (ICP), and deep capillary plexus (DCP) were measured by optical coherence tomography angiography using an automatic segmentation. The VBM and structural covariance network analyses were applied to process brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images. The associations of retinal microvasculature with voxel-wise gray matter volumes and structural covariance network were assessed by linear regression models. Results In the study, 137 participants (mean age = 59.72 years, 37.2% men) were included for the final analysis. Reduced perfusion in SVP was significantly associated with reduced voxel-wise gray matter volumes of the brain regions including the insula, putamen, occipital, frontal, and temporal lobes, all of which were located in the anterior part of the brain supplied by internal carotid artery, except the occipital lobe. In addition, these regions were also involved in visual processing and cognitive impairment (such as left inferior occipital gyrus, left lingual gyrus, and right parahippocampal gyrus). In regard to the structural covariance, the perfusions in SVP were positively related to the structural covariance of the left lingual gyrus seed with the left middle occipital gyrus, the right middle occipital gyrus, and the left middle frontal gyrus. Conclusions Poor perfusion in SVP was correlated with reduced voxel-wise gray matter volumes and structural covariance networks in regions related to visual processing and cognitive impairment. It suggests that retinal microvasculature may offer a window to identify aging related cerebral alterations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junfeng Liu
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University China, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Wendan Tao
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University China, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Xiaonan Guo
- School of Information Science and Engineering, Yanshan University, Qinhuangdao, China
| | - William Robert Kwapong
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University China, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Chen Ye
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University China, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Anmo Wang
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University China, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Xinmao Wu
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University China, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Zhetao Wang
- Department of Radiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University China, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Ming Liu
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University China, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
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Jiang Z, Hou A, Zhang T, Lai Y, Huang L, Ding X. Pattern of choroidal thickness in early-onset high myopia. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1156259. [PMID: 37538314 PMCID: PMC10394095 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1156259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose To explore the etiology and choroidal thickness (ChT) pattern in children with early-onset high myopia (eoHM). Methods Sixty children with eoHM and 20 healthy controls were enrolled in this study between January 2019 and December 2021. All children underwent comprehensive ophthalmologic examinations including swept-source optical coherence tomography. ChT was measured in the subfoveal region and at 1000 μm and 2,500 μm nasal, temporal, superior, and inferior to the fovea. Results Overall, 120 eyes of 60 children with eoHM were examined (mean spherical equivalent, -8.88 ± 3.05 D; mean axial length, 26.07 ± 1.59 mm). Simple high myopia (SHM), familial exudative vitreoretinopathy (FEVR), and Stickler syndrome (STL) were the most frequent etiologies of eoHM and were included in further ChT analysis. Adjusted the effect of SE, multivariate regression analysis showed that children with SHM had thinnest ChT at N2500 and I2500 among the subgroups (p = 0.039, p = 0.013). FEVR group showed thinner ChT at T2500 (p = 0.023), while STL patients exhibited thin ChT at all locations. Conclusion This study revealed that SHM, STL and FEVR was the most frequent etiology, and showed a distinctive pattern of ChT. Asymmetric nasal ChT thinning is a distinctive biomarker for SHM, asymmetric temporal ChT thinning might serve as a biomarker for FEVR, and symmetric diffuse thinning is more common in STL. These ChT patterns may provide a convenient, fast, and noninvasive strategy to differentiate the potential etiology of eoHM.
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Lang Y, Kwapong WR, Kong L, Shi Z, Wang X, Du Q, Wu B, Zhou H. Retinal structural and microvascular changes in myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody disease and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder: An OCT/OCTA study. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1029124. [PMID: 36793713 PMCID: PMC9923098 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1029124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose To compare the optical coherence tomography (OCT)/OCT angiography (OCTA) measures in patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody disease (MOGAD). Methods Twenty-one MOG, 21 NMOSD, and 22 controls were enrolled in our study. The retinal structure [retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) and ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (GCIPL)] was imaged and assessed with the OCT; OCTA was used to image the macula microvasculature [superficial vascular plexus (SVP), intermediate capillary plexus (ICP), and deep capillary plexus (DCP)]. Clinical information such as disease duration, visual acuity, and frequency of optic neuritis and disability was recorded for all patients. Results Compared with NMOSD patients, MOGAD patients showed significantly reduced SVP density (P = 0.023). No significant difference (P > 0.05) was seen in the microvasculature and structure when NMOSD-ON was compared with MOG-ON. In NMOSD patients, EDSS, disease duration, reduced visual acuity, and frequency of ON significantly correlated (P < 0.05) with SVP and ICP densities; in MOGAD patients, SVP correlated with EDSS, duration, reduced visual acuity, and frequency of ON (P < 0.05), while DCP density correlated with disease duration, visual acuity, and frequency of ON. Conclusions Distinct structural and microvascular changes were identified in MOGAD patients compared with NMOSD patients suggesting that the pathological mechanisms are different in NMOSD and MOGAD. Retinal imaging via the SS-OCT/OCTA might have the potential to be used as a clinical tool to evaluate the clinical features associated with NMOSD and MOGAD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Bo Wu
- *Correspondence: Hongyu Zhou, ; Bo Wu,
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Lu K, Kwapong WR, Jiang S, Zhang X, Xie J, Ye C, Yan Y, Cao L, Zhao Y, Wu B. Differences in retinal microvasculature between large artery atherosclerosis and small artery disease: an optical coherence tomography angiography study. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:1053638. [PMID: 36620764 PMCID: PMC9816383 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.1053638] [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: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: Recent reports suggest retinal microvasculature mirror cerebral microcirculation. Using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA), we investigated the retinal microvasculature differences between ischemic stroke patients with large artery atherosclerosis (LAA) and small artery disease (SAD). Methods: All patients underwent MR imaging and were classified as SAD and LAA; LAA was subdivided into anterior LAS and posterior LAS depending on the location. Swept-source OCTA (SS-OCTA) was used to image and segment the retina into the superficial vascular complex (SVC) and deep vascular complex (DVC) in a 6 × 6 mm area around the fovea. A deep learning algorithm was used to assess the vessel area density (VAD, %) in the retinal microvasculature. Results: Fifty-eight (mean age = 60.26 ± 10.88 years; 81.03% males) were LAA while 64 (mean age = 55.58 ± 10.34 years; 85.94% males) were SAD. LAS patients had significantly reduced VAD in the DVC (P = 0.022) compared to SAD patients; the VAD in the SVC did not show any significant difference between the two groups (P = 0.580). Anterior LAA ischemic stroke showed significantly lower VAD (P = 0.002) in the SVC compared with posterior LAS patients. There was no significant difference in the DVC between the two groups (P = 0.376). Conclusions: We found LAA patients had significantly reduced DVC density compared with SAD; we also showed anterior LAA patients had significantly reduced SVC density compared with posterior LAA. These findings suggest retinal imaging has the potential to be used to detect microvasculature changes in subtypes of ischemic stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun Lu
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | | | - Shuai Jiang
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xuening Zhang
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jianyang Xie
- Cixi Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, China
| | - Chen Ye
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuying Yan
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Le Cao
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yitian Zhao
- Cixi Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, China,The Affiliated People’s Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, China,*Correspondence: Bo Wu Yitian Zhao
| | - Bo Wu
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China,*Correspondence: Bo Wu Yitian Zhao
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11
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Wang R, Kwapong WR, Tao W, Cao L, Ye C, Liu J, Zhang S, Wu B. Association of retinal thickness and microvasculature with cognitive performance and brain volumes in elderly adults. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:1010548. [PMID: 36466601 PMCID: PMC9709407 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.1010548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 09/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Retinal structural and microvascular changes can be visualized and have been linked with cognitive decline and brain changes in cerebral age-related disorders. We investigated the association between retinal structural and microvascular changes with cognitive performance and brain volumes in elderly adults. MATERIALS AND METHODS All participants underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and a battery of neuropsychological examinations. Macula retinal thicknesses (retinal nerve fiber layer, mRNFL, and ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer, GCIPL) were imaged and measured with swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) while Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography (OCTA) imaged and measured the superficial vascular complex (SVC) and deep vascular complex (DVC) of the retina. RESULTS Out of the 135 participants, 91 (67.41%) were females and none had dementia. After adjusting for risk factors, Shape Trail Test (STT)-A correlated with SVC (P < 0.001), DVC (P = 0.015) and mRNFL (P = 0.013) while STT-B correlated with SVC (P = 0.020) and GCIPL (P = 0.015). mRNFL thickness correlated with Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) (P = 0.007) and Stroop A (P = 0.030). After adjusting for risk factors and total intracranial volume, SVC correlated with hippocampal volume (P < 0.001). Hippocampal volume correlated (P < 0.05) with most cognitive measures. Stroop B (P < 0.001) and Stroop C (P = 0.020) correlated with white matter volume while Stroop measures and STT-A correlated with gray matter volume (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that the retinal structure and microvasculature can be useful pointers for cognitive performance, giving a choice for early discovery of decline in cognition and potential early treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruilin Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | | | - Wendan Tao
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Le Cao
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Chen Ye
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Junfeng Liu
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Shuting Zhang
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Bo Wu
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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Microvascular Changes in the Retina Correlate with MRI Markers in Patients with Early-Onset Dementia. Brain Sci 2022; 12:brainsci12101391. [PMID: 36291324 PMCID: PMC9599536 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12101391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Revised: 09/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Aims: Recent reports suggest that results from imaging retinal microvascular changes with optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) in dementia patients reflect cerebral microcirculation changes that occur during dementia. Macula microvascular impairment has been shown in dementia patients compared to controls, but very little is known about its correlation with radiological visual rating scores associated with dementia. We aimed to explore the association between retinal microvasculature and radiological visual rating in early-onset dementia (EOD) patients. Methods: Swept-source OCTA (SS-OCTA) was used to image the retinal microvasculature of all EOD patients. Automated software in the OCTA tool segmented and measured the densities in the superficial vascular plexus (SVC) and deep vascular plexus (DVC) and foveal avascular zone (FAZ) areas. Radiological visual rating scores were evaluated on all MR images. Results: Medial temporal lobe atrophy (MTA) scores significantly correlated with FAZ area (p = 0.031) in EOD patients after adjusting for risk factors. PWMH correlated with SVC (p = 0.032) while DWMH significantly correlated with SVC (p = 0.007), DVC (p = 0.018) and FAZ (p = 0.001) in EOD patients. Discussion: FAZ changes correlated with MTA scores in EOD patients, while retinal microvasculature correlated with white matter hyperintensity. Our report suggests that microvascular changes in the retina may reflect cortical changes in the brain of EOD patients.
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Kwapong WR, Liu J, Wan J, Tao W, Ye C, Wu B. Retinal Thickness Correlates with Cerebral Hemodynamic Changes in Patients with Carotid Artery Stenosis. Brain Sci 2022; 12:brainsci12080979. [PMID: 35892420 PMCID: PMC9331379 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12080979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Revised: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: We aimed to assess the retinal structural and choroidal changes in carotid artery stenosis (CAS) patients and their association with cerebral hemodynamic changes. Asymptomatic and symptomatic patients with unilateral CAS were enrolled in our study. Material and methods: Swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) was used to image the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL), ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (GCIPL), while SS-OCT angiography (SS-OCTA) was used to image and measure the choroidal vascular volume (CVV) and choroidal vascular index (CVI). Computed Tomography Perfusion (CTP) was used to assess the cerebral perfusion parameters; relative perfusion (r) was calculated as the ratio of the value on the contralateral side to that on the ipsilateral side. Results: Compared with contralateral eyes, ipsilateral eyes showed significantly thinner RNFL (p < 0.001), GCIPL (p = 0.013) and CVV (p = 0.001). Relative cerebral blood volume (rCBV) showed a significant correlation with RNFL (p < 0.001), GCIPL (p < 0.001) and CVI (p = 0.027), while the relative permeability surface (rPS) correlated with RNFL (p < 0.001) and GCIPL (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Our report suggests that retinal and choroidal changes have the potential to detect hemodynamic changes in CAS patients and could predict the risk of stroke.
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Characterization of Macular Structural and Microvascular Changes in Thalamic Infarction Patients: A Swept-Source Optical Coherence Tomography-Angiography Study. Brain Sci 2022; 12:brainsci12050518. [PMID: 35624906 PMCID: PMC9139152 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12050518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 04/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: The retina and brain share similar neuronal and microvascular features. We aimed to investigate the retinal thickness and microvasculature in patients with thalamic infarcts compared with control participants. Material and methods: Swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) was used to image the macular thickness (retinal nerve fiber layer, RNFL; ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer, GCIP), while OCT angiography was used to image the microvasculature (superficial vascular plexus, SVP; intermediate capillary plexus, ICP; deep capillary plexus, DCP). Inbuilt software was used to measure the macular thickness (µm) and microvascular density (%). Lesion volumes were quantitively assessed based on structural magnetic resonance images. Results: A total of 35 patients with unilateral thalamic infarction and 31 age−sex-matched controls were enrolled. Compared with control participants, thalamic infarction patients showed a significantly thinner thickness of RNFL (p < 0.01) and GCIP (p = 0.02), and a lower density of SVP (p = 0.001) and ICP (p = 0.022). In the group of patients, ipsilateral eyes showed significant reductions in SVP (p = 0.033), RNFL (p = 0.01) and GCIP (p = 0.043). When divided into three groups based on disease duration (<1 month, 1−6 months, and >6 months), no significant differences were found among these groups. After adjusting for confounders, SVP, ICP, DCP, RNFL, and GCIP were significantly correlated with lesion volume in patients. Conclusions: Thalamic infarction patients showed significant macular structure and microvasculature changes. Lesion size was significantly correlated with these alterations. These findings may be useful for further research into the clinical utility of retinal imaging in stroke patients, especially those with damage to the visual pathway.
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Wan J, Kwapong WR, Tao W, Lu K, Jiang S, Zheng H, Hu F, Wu B. Choroidal changes in carotid stenosis patients after stenting detected by swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography. Curr Neurovasc Res 2022; 19:100-107. [PMID: 35388758 DOI: 10.2174/1567202619666220406092532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Revised: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Carotid artery stenosis (CAS) patients show reduced blood flow in the ophthalmic artery. This study aimed to assess the changes in the choriocapillaris and choroidal thickness in patients with unilateral carotid artery stenosis after carotid stenting using swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT)/swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography (SS-OCTA). METHODS Fifty-three mild to moderate CAS patients and 40 controls were enrolled in this study. All participants underwent digital subtraction angiography (DSA) and SS-OCT/SS-OCTAA imaging before and 4 days after carotid artery stenting. SS-OCTA was used to image and measure the perfusion of the choriocapillaris (mm2) while SS-OCT was used to image and measure the choroidal thickness (µm). The stenosed side was described as the ipsilateral eye while the other side was the contralateral eye. RESULTS Choroidal thickness was significantly thinner (P = 0.024) in CAS when compared with controls. Ipsilateral eyes of CAS patients showed significantly thinner (P = 0.008) choroidal thickness when compared with contralateral eyes. Ipsilateral eyes of CAS patients showed thicker (P = 0.027) choroidal thickness after carotid artery stenting while contralateral eyes showed thinner choroidal thickness (P = 0.039). CONCLUSIONS Our report suggests that in vivo quantification of the choroid with the SS-OCT/SS-OCTA may allow monitoring of CAS and enable the assessment of purported treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jincheng Wan
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, China. No. 37 Guo Xue Xiang, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China. Zipcode.,Department of Neurology, Minda Hospital of Hubei Minzu University, Enshi, Hubei Province, China. Zipcode
| | - William Robert Kwapong
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, China. No. 37 Guo Xue Xiang, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China. Zipcode
| | - Wendan Tao
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, China. No. 37 Guo Xue Xiang, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China. Zipcode
| | - Kun Lu
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, China. No. 37 Guo Xue Xiang, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China. Zipcode
| | - Shuai Jiang
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, China. No. 37 Guo Xue Xiang, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China. Zipcode
| | - Hongbo Zheng
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, China. No. 37 Guo Xue Xiang, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China. Zipcode
| | - Fayun Hu
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, China. No. 37 Guo Xue Xiang, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China. Zipcode
| | - Bo Wu
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, China. No. 37 Guo Xue Xiang, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China. Zipcode
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van der Heide FCT, van Sloten TT, Willekens N, Stehouwer CDA. Neurovascular coupling unit dysfunction and dementia: Retinal measurements as tools to move towards population-based evidence. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:1014287. [PMID: 36506058 PMCID: PMC9727310 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.1014287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Dysfunction of the neurovascular coupling unit may be an important contributor to dementia. The neurovascular coupling unit comprises neuronal structures (e.g. astrocytes) and vascular structures (e.g. endothelial cells) that functionally interact both at the level of the arterioles as well as at the capillary level (blood-brain barrier) to regulate optimal metabolic conditions in the brain. However, it remains unclear how and to what extent dysfunction of the neurovascular coupling unit contributes to the early-stage pathobiology of dementia. Currently, limited data are available on the association between neurovascular coupling unit dysfunction, as quantified by cerebral imaging techniques, and cognitive performance. In particular, there is a lack of population-based human data (defined as studies with a sample size ~n>500). This is an important limitation because population-based studies, in comparison with smaller clinical studies, provide data which is better representative of the general population; are less susceptible to selection bias; and have a larger statistical power to detect small associations. To acquire population-based data, however, alternative imaging techniques than cerebral imaging techniques may be required. Disadvantages of cerebral imaging techniques, which limit use in population-based studies, are that these techniques are relatively expensive, time-consuming, and/or invasive. In this review, we propose that retinal imaging techniques can be used for population-based studies: on the one hand the retina and brain have many anatomical and physiological similarities; and on the other hand retinal imaging techniques are non-invasive, highly accurate, relatively inexpensive, and require relatively short measurement time. To provide support for this concept, we provide an overview on the human (population-based) evidence on the associations of retinal indices of neurodegeneration, microvascular dysfunction, and dysfunction of the neurovascular coupling unit with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of structural brain abnormalities and cognitive performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank C. T. van der Heide
- CARIM School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Maastricht University (UM), Maastricht, Netherlands
- Department of Internal Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center+ (MUMC+), Maastricht, Netherlands
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, MUMC+, Maastricht, Netherlands
- School of Mental Health and Neuroscience, MUMC+, Maastricht, Netherlands
- *Correspondence: Frank C. T. van der Heide,
| | - Thomas T. van Sloten
- CARIM School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Maastricht University (UM), Maastricht, Netherlands
- Department of Internal Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center+ (MUMC+), Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Nele Willekens
- CARIM School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Maastricht University (UM), Maastricht, Netherlands
- Department of Internal Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center+ (MUMC+), Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Coen D. A. Stehouwer
- CARIM School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Maastricht University (UM), Maastricht, Netherlands
- Department of Internal Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center+ (MUMC+), Maastricht, Netherlands
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