Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 11, 2026
Longitudinal Morphological and Physiological Monitoring of Three-dimensional Tumor Spheroids Using Optical Coherence Tomography
Published on: February 9, 2019
Optical coherence tomography as a tool for monitoring pediatric pseudotumor cerebri
Mays A El-Dairi1, Sandra Holgado, Thomas O'Donnell
1Duke University Medical Center, Department of Ophthalmology, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
Insights
Optical coherence tomography (OCT) reveals increased retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) and macular thickness in children with pseudotumor cerebri. This suggests OCT is a valuable tool for diagnosing this condition in pediatric patients.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neuro-ophthalmology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Pseudotumor cerebri (PTC) is a condition causing increased intracranial pressure, potentially affecting optic nerves.
- Early detection and monitoring of PTC in children are crucial for preventing vision loss.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the utility of optical coherence tomography (OCT) in measuring peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) and macular thickness in pediatric patients diagnosed with PTC.
Main Methods:
- A prospective observational study compared 11 children with PTC to 37 age- and gender-matched controls.
- Optical coherence tomography (OCT) Stratus 3000 was used to measure peripapillary RNFL and macular thickness using specific protocols.
- RNFL and macular data were analyzed across different quadrants and sections.
Main Results:
- OCT revealed significantly increased average RNFL thickness in PTC patients compared to controls (125.7 vs 106.5 µm, p < 0.0001).
- Increased RNFL thickness was observed in temporal and superior quadrants, and in the nasal inner ring of the macula.
- Macular volume was also significantly greater in children with PTC (7.21 vs 6.97 mm³, p = 0.005).
Conclusions:
- Optical coherence tomography (OCT) demonstrates measurable increases in RNFL and macular thickness in children with pseudotumor cerebri.
- OCT serves as a potentially valuable and objective clinical tool for the evaluation and management of pediatric PTC.
Purpose:
To evaluate optical coherence tomography (OCT) measurement of peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) and macular thickness in children with pseudotumor cerebri.
Methods:
Prospective observational series of children with pseudotumor cerebri compared against controls matched for age and gender. We included 11 pediatric subjects with clinical pseudotumor cerebri and 37 normal controls. Subjects underwent a complete eye examination including stereo disk photographs and OCT. Peripapillary RNFL and macular thickness were evaluated using the Stratus OCT 3000. The peripapillary RNFL was evaluated with two protocols: Fast RNFL Map protocol with values divided in eight sections, made up of four quadrants, each with an inner and outer ring, and Fast RNFL Thickness (3.4) protocol, using values presented for four quadrants. A Fast Macular Thickness Map was also obtained, and results reported similarly included eight sections, made up of four quadrants, each with an inner and outer ring.
Results:
The Fast RNFL Map protocol showed an increased RNFL thickness (pseudotumor cerebri vs controls) in the temporal and superior quadrants. The Fast RNFL Thickness (3.4) protocol showed a thicker average RNFL for pseudotumor cerebri eyes compared with controls (125.7 vs 106.5 microm, p < 0.0001). The Fast Macular Thickness Map showed an increased RNFL thickness in the nasal quadrant for the inner ring. The macular volumes for pseudotumor cerebri versus control eyes were 7.21 versus 6.97 mm(3), respectively (p = 0.005).
Conclusions:
OCT shows increased RNFL and macular thickness in pseudotumor cerebri and may be a useful clinical tool in these children.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:10Computed Tomography
The technique was invented in the 1970s and is based on the principle that as X-rays pass through the body, they are absorbed or reflected at different levels. In the technique, a patient lies on a motorized platform while a computerized axial tomography (CAT) scanner rotates...
01:27Imaging Studies III: Computed Tomography