Delineation of the central retinal artery using computed tomography: a pilot study

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Radiology
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• The central retinal artery (CRA) is crucial for ocular blood supply.
• Accurate visualization of the CRA is important for diagnosing various ophthalmic conditions.
• Computed tomography (CT) is a widely used imaging modality in medical diagnostics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To prospectively evaluate the feasibility of delineating the central retinal artery (CRA) using contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT).
• To assess the optimal scan timing for visualizing CRA segments on the optic sheath.

Main Methods:

• Seventy adult outpatients underwent contrast-enhanced CT scans.
• Scan timing was initiated 5.0 seconds after the circle of Willis began to be delineated.
• Ophthalmic arteries (OphAs) and CRA segments were analyzed for delineation and morphology.

Main Results:

• The ophthalmic arteries (OphAs) were successfully delineated in all patients.
• Central retinal artery (CRA) segments on the optic sheath were delineated in 97% of cases.
• Variable morphologies were observed, with mean distances from the CRA origin to the globe measured at 18.6 mm (right) and 17.8 mm (left).

Conclusions:

• Contrast-enhanced CT, with optimal scan timing, effectively delineates central retinal artery (CRA) segments on the optic sheath.
• CT imaging is a potentially valuable tool for diagnosing CRA pathologies.
• The study highlights CT's utility in visualizing ocular vasculature.