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Quantification of Optic Nerve Cross Sectional Area on MRI: A Novel Protocol using Fiji Software
Published on: September 4, 2021
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Diffusion-weighted imaging using readout-segmented echo-planar imaging, parallel imaging, and two-dimensional
Hailin Wan1, Yan Sha1, Fang Zhang1
1Department of Radiology, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
Journal of Magnetic Resonance Imaging : JMRI
|August 8, 2015
Summary
Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) shows comparable accuracy to contrast-enhanced T1-weighted imaging (CET1WI) for detecting acute optic neuritis (ON). DWI serves as a valuable complementary tool, particularly for atypical ON cases, and offers quantitative assessment of axonal damage.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Ophthalmology
- Neuroimaging
Background:
- Acute optic neuritis (ON) is a common cause of vision loss.
- Accurate diagnosis of ON is crucial for timely treatment and management.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is essential for diagnosing ON.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the diagnostic accuracy of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) with contrast-enhanced, fat-suppressed T1-weighted imaging (CET1WI) in detecting acute ON.
- To evaluate DWI as a potential standalone or complementary imaging technique for acute ON.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of MRI findings in 42 patients with decreased vision.
- Orbital imaging performed using 3.0T MRI DWI and CET1WI.
- Independent evaluation of DWI and CET1WI by two neuroradiologists, calculating sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy against clinical diagnosis.
Main Results:
- DWI demonstrated sensitivities of 82.9% and specificities of 81.4-83.7% for acute ON.
- CET1WI showed sensitivities of 68.3-85.4% and specificities of 79.1-93.0%.
- Both techniques exhibited high interobserver and intraobserver reliability (kappa values > 0.596 for interobserver, > 0.809 for intraobserver).
Conclusions:
- DWI exhibits diagnostic accuracy comparable to CET1WI for acute ON.
- DWI can serve as a complementary imaging modality for acute ON detection, especially in atypical presentations.
- DWI offers a quantitative method for assessing axonal damage in optic neuritis.
