Longitudinal Study of Retinal Structure, Vascular, and Neuronal Function in Patients With Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis: 1-Year Follow-Up

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to quantify retinal structural, vascular, and functional changes in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) over 1 year.Methods: Eighty-eight eyes of 44 patients with RRMS underwent assessments of low contrast letter acuity (LCLA), retinal ganglion cell function detected by the steady-state pattern electroretinogram (PERG), axonal microstructural integrity measured as birefringence, intraretinal layer thicknesses by ultra-high-resolution optical coherence tomography (OCT), volumetric vessel density (VVD) by OCT angiography, and retinal tissue perfusion (RTP) by the Retinal Function Imager (RFI). All measurements were performed at baseline and 1-year follow-up. The impacts of disease activities and a history of optic neuritis (ON) were analyzed.Results: Compared to baseline, there were no significant differences in all variables (P > 0.05), except for the axonal birefringence and RTP. The birefringence's of the retinal fiber layer at the temporal and superior quadrants was significantly decreased (P < 0.05), whereas RTP was significantly increased (P < 0.05). In the subgroup with ON, significantly longer PERG latency and decreased VVD were observed at follow-up (P < 0.05). In patients with improved LCLA, significantly increased RTP and decreased VVD (P < 0.05) were also observed.Conclusions: This is the first longitudinal study that assessed the RTP and VVD, along with other retinal structural and functional parameters in MS. The recovery of retinal vascular function occurred with the improved LCLA, suggesting that these measurements may be associated with disease progression.Translational Relevance: The retinal microvascular changes could be potential biomarkers for monitoring therapeutic efficacy in MS.

OCT and OCT Angiography Offer New Insights and Opportunities in Schizophrenia Research and Treatment

“…Moreover, OCTA has been used previously to detect subtle vascular changes in such as radiation retinopathy over time periods as short as 6 months (38). In one study that imaged patients with multiple sclerosis with OCTA at baseline and 1 year, patients with a history of optic neuritis were found to have a significant decrease in volumetric vessel density (39). Therefore, even observations over a humble time period in the setting of an extended disease course may yield fruitful results.…”

Longitudinal retinal imaging study of newly diagnosed relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis in Scottish population: baseline and 12 months follow-up profile of FutureMS retinal imaging cohort

“…The concept of ‘the eye as a window to the brain’ was raised two decades ago when the RNFL thinning were detected in patients with MS. Over the past 20 years, evidence has emerged indicating an association between inner retinal atrophy and brain atrophy 14. A link between retinal parameters and disease activity has also been reported 6 15 16. As a low cost, non-invasive technique with few contraindications, OCT has been proposed as a potential tool for disease monitoring and as a complementary measure to MRI parameters.…”

Retinal imaging with optical coherence tomography in multiple sclerosis: novel aspects

“…MS patients display a decreased vessel density in the radial peripapillary capillary plexus and the superficial capillary plexus (SCP). The effect on SCP is even more distinct in eyes with previous ON episodes [ 64 – 68 ]. The reduction in perfusion correlates with RNFL and GCL thinning after ON.…”