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Retinal fractals and acute lacunar stroke
Ning Cheung1, Gerald Liew, Richard I Lindley
1Centre for Eye Research Australia, University of Melbourne, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, Melbourne, Australia.
Annals of Neurology
|June 29, 2010
Summary
Higher retinal fractal dimension, a measure of blood vessel complexity in the eye, is linked to an increased risk of lacunar stroke. This finding highlights potential new diagnostic markers for stroke.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neurology
- Vascular Biology
Background:
- Lacunar stroke is a common type of ischemic stroke.
- Retinal microvascular changes may reflect cerebrovascular health.
- Fractal dimension quantifies the complexity of branching structures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between retinal fractal dimension and lacunar stroke.
- To determine if retinal microvascular complexity is an independent risk factor for lacunar stroke.
Main Methods:
- Retinal fractal dimension was measured from digital fundus photographs in 392 acute ischemic stroke patients.
- Lacunar infarcts were identified using brain imaging.
- Statistical analyses adjusted for age, gender, and vascular risk factors.
Main Results:
- Higher retinal fractal dimension was independently and positively associated with lacunar stroke.
- The highest quartile of retinal fractal dimension showed a significantly increased odds ratio (OR, 4.27) for lacunar stroke compared to the lowest quartile.
- A per standard deviation increase in retinal fractal dimension was also associated with higher odds of lacunar stroke (OR, 1.85).
Conclusions:
- Increased retinal microvascular complexity and density, as measured by fractal dimension, are associated with lacunar stroke.
- Retinal fractal dimension may serve as a potential non-invasive biomarker for lacunar stroke risk.
