Non-invasive fundoscopy as a tool to estimate intracranial pressure: a large animal model

Intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring is in most studies considered essential in avoiding secondary brain injury in patients with intracranial pathologies. Invasive monitoring of ICP is accurate but is unavailable in many clinical and prehospital settings. Non-invasive modalities have historically been difficult to implement clinically. The retinal arteriovenous ratio (A/V ratio) has shown promise through its relationship with ICP. This study aimed to further elucidate the relationship between ICP, A/V ratio and the intraocular pressure (IOP) measured with non-invasive fundoscopy in a porcine model.

We achieved controlled values of ICP ranging from normal (5-15 mmHg) to elevated (> 20 mmHg) within the same animal subject. Six pigs were included. ICP and IOP was measured using an intraparenchymal pressure monitor and a tonometer, respectively. Fundoscopy was performed at baseline and at predefined ICP values.

Mixed-effects linear regression revealed a significant inverse correlation between A/V ratio and ICP ≥ 20 mmHg (slope coefficient - 0.0026734 [95%-CI: -0.0039347 - (-0.0014121)], p < 0.001). For ICP < 20 mmHg there was no change in A/V ratio (p = 0.987). Similar results were seen for ICP > IOP with a mean IOP of 10 mmHg. A Wald test showed no significant difference between ICP > IOP and ICP ≥ 20 mmHg. ROC curve analysis revealed an AUC of 0.64 for ICP ≥ 20 mmHg and 0.71 for ICP > IOP.

The results support the hypothesis that an increase in ICP was associated with a decrease in A/V ratio. Although a slightly better fit, the model of ICP > IOP was deemed less clinically relevant than ICP ≥ 20 mmHg because of the subjects' IOP. Further research integrating multifactorial models and machine learning is needed to enhance the diagnostic accuracy of A/V ratio via fundoscopy, enabling it to serve as a cost-effective screening tool.