Optical coherence tomography and its use in optical neuritis and multiple sclerosis

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Neurology
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a non-invasive imaging technique for retinal layer quantification.
• OCT provides data on optic nerve head topography and peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness.
• RNFL thickness measurements correlate with axonal loss, making them relevant in neurodegenerative conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize the application of OCT in diagnosing multiple sclerosis (MS).
• To highlight OCT's role in quantifying axonal loss in the anterior visual pathways.
• To discuss OCT as a potential biomarker and clinical trial endpoint in MS.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) for high-resolution imaging of retinal layers.
• Quantifying peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness.
• Assessing optic nerve head topography and macular volume.

Main Results:

• OCT enables indirect measurement of axonal and neuronal loss in multiple sclerosis.
• RNFL thickness quantification by OCT is particularly relevant in early stages of MS.
• OCT is non-invasive, reproducible, and provides valuable diagnostic information.

Conclusions:

• OCT has emerged as a relevant diagnostic tool in neurology, especially for multiple sclerosis.
• OCT serves as a marker for axonal loss and a potential endpoint in clinical trials for MS.
• This paper comprehensively reviews the use of OCT in multiple sclerosis patients.