Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) and Angio-OCT Imaging Techniques in Multiple Sclerosis Patients with or without Optic Neuritis

Abstract

The visual system is typically affected in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. The most common ocular manifestation during the clinical course of the disease is optic neuritis (ON). Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is well-established tool for biomedical imaging that enables detection of retinal nerve fiber layer and ganglion cell layer thickness reduction – biomarkers of axonal damage and neuronal loss in MS. And OCT angiography (angio-OCT) is another imaging method for assessing retinal and choroidal vessels with no need of contrast dye injection. In our prospective study, we investigate parafoveal and peripapillary microvascular retinal networks in 18 MS patients (35 eyes) through angio-OCT (AngioVue, OptoVue). According to our results, early structural changes in MS patients without previous history of acute ON episode are unable to be detected. As a follow-up imaging technique, OCT is very useful for changes in axonal thickness and defines the progression rate of the disease. Angio-OCT vis-à-vis OCT investigation detects the ocular perfusion reduction before the appearance of structural changes. From all investigated structural and density parameters only those in superficial capillary plexus show significant changes in MS patients without ON. For accurate diagnostic and following-up process, both structural and vascular parameters need to be assessed in MS patients.