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Mosaicking the subbasal nerve plexus by guided eye movements
Stephan Allgeier1, Susanne Maier1, Ralf Mikut2
1Institute for Applied Computer Science/Automation, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany.
Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science
|August 28, 2014
Summary
This study introduces an automated method to create large-scale corneal subbasal nerve plexus (SNP) images using corneal confocal microscopy (CCM). This technique enhances the assessment of diabetic peripheral neuropathy by capturing a wider corneal nerve area efficiently.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neurology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Corneal subbasal nerve plexus (SNP) morphology via corneal confocal microscopy (CCM) is a sensitive indicator for diabetic peripheral neuropathy.
- A single CCM image field of view is insufficient for comprehensive corneal nerve fiber assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a highly automated technique for imaging an extended corneal SNP area.
- To create large-scale mosaic images of the SNP for improved neuropathy assessment.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a moving fixation target to guide subject's gaze in an expanding spiral pattern.
- Employed specialized software algorithms to assemble mosaic images from acquired CCM data.
- Applied the technique to 12 healthy subjects.
Main Results:
- Successfully generated montage images of the SNP from all examinations.
- Achieved a mean imaged SNP area of 9.86 mm² (range: 1.62–18.31 mm²).
- Recorded a mean CCM acquisition duration of 65.33 seconds (range: 14.58–142.58 seconds).
Conclusions:
- The proposed technique offers high integration and automation for both image acquisition and processing, significantly reducing CCM duration.
- This user-friendly tool for large-scale SNP imaging can facilitate larger clinical trials using SNP morphology as a surrogate for peripheral neuropathy.
