Fractal evaluation in retinographies of patients with diabetic retinopathy with and without risk of macular edema

Abstract

Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the fractal dimensions (FDs) (box-count dimension and information dimension (Dinf)) and the number of bifurcations (NOB) in retinography of patients with diabetic retinopathy (DR) of grades 2 and 3, both groups without and with risk of diabetic macular edema. Material and Methods: Forty-six retinographies of patients with DR were selected, and classified according to the number of microaneurysms, hemorrhages, and the presence of neovascularization: Grade 2 and grade 3. The images were skeletonized, and then the FDs and the NOB were calculated. Results: The values of box-counting, Dinf, and the NOB of the retinal vascular networks (whole and in the macular region) did not show statistical differences between the grade 2 groups without and with risk of edema, as well as between the grade 3 groups without and with risk of edema. Conclusion: The FD and the NOB revealed that the architecture of the retinal vascular network of individuals with diabetic retinopathy remains unchanged in the presence or absence of risk of macular edema.