Predictive modelling of thrombus formation in diabetic retinal microaneurysms

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Ophthalmology
• Computational Fluid Dynamics

Background:

• Microaneurysms (MAs) are early indicators of diabetic retinopathy (DR), potentially causing vision loss.
• Existing ophthalmic imaging quantifies MA geometry and hemodynamics, but lacks predictive models for thrombus formation.
• Thrombus formation within MAs is a key factor in DR pathophysiology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a computational model for simulating platelet aggregation and thrombus formation in MAs.
• To investigate the influence of MA shape on thrombosis.
• To provide a tool for predicting thrombus development in individual MAs.

Main Methods:

• Coupling of a particle model with a continuum model to simulate platelet aggregation.
• Modeling of blood flow within MAs of varying geometries (saccular and fusiform).
• Comparison of simulation results with experimental observations and clinical findings.

Main Results:

• Thrombosis was significantly more pronounced in saccular MAs compared to fusiform MAs under physiological blood flow.
• The model accurately predicted the size and shape of thrombi within MAs.
• Simulation results align with existing clinical observations.

Conclusions:

• The developed computational model is capable of predicting thrombus formation in MAs.
• MA shape is a critical factor influencing thrombosis.
• This study offers a novel quantitative approach to understanding MA thrombosis and its role in DR.