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Serial Diffusion Tensor Imaging of the Optic Radiations after Acute Optic Neuritis
Scott C Kolbe1, Anneke van der Walt2, Helmut Butzkueven3
1Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia; Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia.
Journal of Ophthalmology
|August 25, 2016
Summary
Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) reveals progressive optic radiation changes after optic neuritis (ON). These DTI alterations correlate with optic nerve damage and visual cortex thinning over 12 months.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Ophthalmology
- Neurology
Background:
- Optic neuritis (ON) can cause lasting visual impairment.
- Previous studies noted diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) changes in optic radiations post-ON.
Purpose of the Study:
- To track optic radiation DTI changes over 12 months post-acute ON.
- To correlate DTI parameters with optic nerve and visual cortex damage.
Main Methods:
- DTI parameters (FA, AD, RD, MD) measured in 38 ON patients at baseline, 6, and 12 months.
- Assessed retinal nerve fiber layer thickness, visual evoked potentials, lesion load, and V1 thickness.
Main Results:
- Baseline DTI showed reduced FA and increased RD/MD versus controls.
- Over 12 months, FA decreased significantly more in patients (-2.6%/year) than controls (-0.51%).
- Changes in FA, RD, and MD correlated with V1 thinning; AD correlated with RNFL thinning in select patients.
Conclusions:
- DTI effectively detects evolving optic radiation changes following acute ON.
- These DTI changes are linked to subsequent optic nerve and primary visual cortex (V1) damage.
