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Voxel-based morphometry and diffusion tensor imaging of the optic pathway in primary open-angle glaucoma: a
A K Zikou1, G Kitsos, L C Tzarouchi
1Department of Radiology, Medical School, University of Ioannina, Greece.
AJNR. American Journal of Neuroradiology
|November 26, 2011
Summary
Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is linked to neurodegeneration in the optic pathway and brain. Voxel-based morphometry (VBM) and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) revealed significant changes in visual pathways and brain structures in POAG patients.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Ophthalmology
- Radiology
Background:
- Glaucoma is associated with optic pathway degeneration.
- Previous studies indicate neuropathologic changes in experimental and human glaucoma.
- The optic pathway and visual system are complex neural networks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the optic pathway in primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) using VBM and DTI.
- To investigate neurodegenerative changes in the visual system of POAG patients.
- To explore the neurological underpinnings of POAG.
Main Methods:
- 18 POAG patients and 18 controls underwent ophthalmologic exams and brain imaging.
- Quantification of Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Thickness (RNFLT) using Stratus OCT 3.
- Brain imaging included T1-weighted and diffusion-weighted sequences, analyzed with VBM and DTI.
Main Results:
- POAG patients showed thinner RNFLTs in specific regions.
- VBM revealed reduced volume in the left visual cortex, lateral geniculate nucleus, optic nerves, and chiasm.
- DTI showed decreased fractional anisotropy (FA) in multiple white matter tracts and subcortical structures.
Conclusions:
- VBM and DTI detect neurodegenerative changes in the optic pathway and visual brain areas in POAG.
- These findings suggest glaucoma is a complex neurological disease.
- Glaucoma impacts both the eye and the central nervous system.
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