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Longitudinal Study of Retinal Structure, Vascular, and Neuronal Function in Patients With Relapsing-Remitting
Qi Chen1,2, Hong Jiang2,3, Silvia Delgado3
1School of Optometry and Ophthalmology, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.
Translational Vision Science & Technology
|June 10, 2021
Summary
Retinal tissue perfusion increased and axonal integrity decreased in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) patients over one year. Vascular changes may indicate disease progression and therapeutic response.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neuroscience
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic demyelinating disease affecting the central nervous system.
- Retinal changes, including structural, vascular, and functional alterations, are increasingly recognized in MS patients.
- Longitudinal studies are crucial for understanding disease progression and potential therapeutic monitoring.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify longitudinal changes in retinal structure, vasculature, and function in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) over one year.
- To investigate the relationship between these retinal changes and disease activity or history of optic neuritis (ON).
- To explore the potential of retinal parameters as biomarkers for MS progression and treatment efficacy.
Main Methods:
- Eighty-eight eyes from 44 RRMS patients were assessed at baseline and 1-year follow-up.
- Evaluated parameters included low contrast letter acuity (LCLA), pattern electroretinogram (PERG), axonal birefringence, optical coherence tomography (OCT) for layer thickness, OCT angiography for volumetric vessel density (VVD), and Retinal Function Imager (RFI) for retinal tissue perfusion (RTP).
- Statistical analyses examined the impact of disease activities and prior optic neuritis (ON).
Main Results:
- Over one year, axonal birefringence significantly decreased (temporal and superior quadrants), while retinal tissue perfusion (RTP) significantly increased.
- Patients with a history of optic neuritis (ON) showed longer PERG latency and decreased VVD at follow-up.
- Improved LCLA correlated with increased RTP and decreased VVD.
Conclusions:
- This is the first longitudinal study to assess RTP and VVD alongside other retinal parameters in MS.
- Recovery of retinal vascular function (increased RTP) was observed alongside improved visual acuity (LCLA).
- Retinal microvascular changes, particularly RTP and VVD, may serve as potential biomarkers for monitoring MS progression and therapeutic efficacy.
