Repeatability and reproducibility of retinal and choroidal thickness measurements in Diabetic Macular Edema using Swept-source Optical Coherence Tomography

Abstract

PurposeTo evaluate the repeatability and reproducibility of retinal and choroidal thickness measured with Swept source Optical Coherence Tomography (SS-OCT) in eyes with Diabetic Macular Edema (DME).Methods42 DME eyes were imaged using SS-OCT standard Macular scanning protocols. Retinal and choroidal thickness were measured in the Total macular circle (TMC) and foveal central subfield (FCS) using device-integrated specific software. The coefficient of repeatability (CR) and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) were determined as a measure of repeatability and relative reliability within graders. Reproducibility was assessed using Bland-Altman plots and 95% limits of agreement (LoA) were determined as a measure of interobserver variability.ResultsIntragrader CR of retinal and choroidal thickness were 8.37 and 12.20 microns for TMC and 22.24 and 32.40 microns for FCS, and intergrader 95% LoA were 7.37–8.69 and -27.2–27.71 microns for TMC and -34.21–41.93 and -30.46–24.84 for FCS, respectively. Retinal and choroidal thickness showed very good intraobserver reliability for both TMC and FCS (ICC 0.99, LoA 0.98–0.99 in all cases). Intraobserver and interobserver variability for retinal and choroidal thickness was not significantly different for TMC (p = 0.98 and p = 0.90, p = 0.98 and p = 0.91) or FCS (p = 0.97 and p = 0.85, p = 0.78 and p = 0.73), respectively.ConclusionsRetinal and choroidal thickness in DME eyes can be quantified with good reliability, repeatability and reproducibility using new OCT devices that incorporate swept source technology. The technical advantages of this technology may provide new insights in the understanding of the choroidal changes related with DME.

Optical Coherence Tomography (Angiography) Biomarkers in the Assessment and Monitoring of Diabetic Macular Edema

“…A study conducted by Sala-Puigdollers et al evaluated the reliability of the next generation of OCT devices, the SS-OCT in DME [ 53 ]. SS-OCT operates up to 100.000 A-line scans per second and uses a laser source of a longer wavelength (1050 nm) that penetrates deeper in the retina and choroid than the conventional laser sources of the SD-OCT devices.…”

“…SS-OCT operates up to 100.000 A-line scans per second and uses a laser source of a longer wavelength (1050 nm) that penetrates deeper in the retina and choroid than the conventional laser sources of the SD-OCT devices. The authors found good reliability, repeatability, and reproducibility of SS-OCT in quantifying retinal and choroidal thickness in DME cases [ 53 ]. Moreover, the authors claim that SS-OCT may become the gold standard technique for the evaluation of DME [ 53 ].…”

Relationship Between Renal Function and Choroidal Thickness in Type 2 Diabetic Patients Detected by Swept-Source Optical Coherence Tomography

“…Several studies have reported the excellent performance of SS-OCT and segmentation software. [23][24][25] The CTs in the nine subfields defined by the ETDRS were automatically calculated and displayed, where the grid divided the macular into two rings, inner and outer, at 1 to 3 mm and 3 to 6 mm, respectively. The individual grids are referred to as the center field and the inner superior, inner nasal, inner inferior, inner temporal, outer superior, outer nasal, outer inferior, and outer temporal regions ( Figure 1).…”

OCT Angiography: A Technique for the Assessment of Retinal and Optic Nerve Diseases in the Pediatric Population

“…Since the introduction of conventional OCT in 1991 [108] and the emergence of OCT-A around 2013, we have witnessed from our experience [109][110][111][112][113][114] and the experience of the scientific community that this technology is constantly evolving [115,116]. OCT-A is a novel, relatively rapid, and non-invasive imaging technique that can be useful in distinguishing the blood vessels of the different retinal vascular plexuses and the FAZ.…”