Correlation of visual function with semi-quantitative MRI findings in cerebral visual impairment

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Ophthalmology
• Neuroscience
• Radiology

Background:

• Cerebral visual impairment (CVI) affects children with diverse neurological conditions.
• Assessing visual function and its correlation with brain injury severity is crucial for prognosis.
• Standardized MRI scoring can potentially quantify cerebral involvement.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate visual function in children with CVI.
• To correlate visual function with cerebral involvement severity using a semi-quantitative MRI (sqMRI) scoring system.
• To compare CVI patients with strabismic controls.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective study of children with CVI and strabismic controls.
• Utilized a modified 24-point sqMRI scale to assess cerebral involvement.
• Calculated partial correlations between MRI scores and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), controlling for gestational age.

Main Results:

• Children with CVI had significantly poorer BCVA compared to controls.
• sqMRI scores, particularly in basal ganglia, thalamus, and hemispheric regions, correlated significantly with BCVA.
• A strong correlation between total sqMRI scores and BCVA was observed, independent of gestational age.

Conclusions:

• A robust, prematurity-independent correlation exists between sqMRI scores and visual impairment in children with CVI.
• sqMRI scoring may serve as a valuable tool for predicting visual outcomes.
• sqMRI can aid in early planning for rehabilitation strategies in CVI.