Comparison of the retinal measurements of standard and neurological SD‐OCT applications in MS patients

Abstract

PurposeIn multiple sclerosis (MS), spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD‐OCT) provides a tool to evaluate structural retinal changes related to MS. Recently, an application dedicated to visualize and quantify changes in MS and other neurodegenerative diseases became commercially available. Unlike the standard SD‐OCT, it is not yet widespread in eye clinics in Finland. Therefore, aim of the present study was determine if correlation exists in the retinal measurements between this and standard SD‐OCT application, using scan pattern presets feasible in monitoring of MS.MethodsSeven patients (mean age 48.2 ± 12.8 years) with previously diagnosed MS were examined in both eyes with Spectralis SD‐OCT (Heidelberg, Germany) in Kuopio University Hospital, Finland. Retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) thickness scans around the peripapillary retina (PPR) were performed with the Nsite Analytics and the standard glaucoma application (Heidelberg). Volumes of the retina and its layers in the 9 macular sectors, as defined by the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS), were measured by Heyex Viewing Module software with automated retinal layer segmentation (Heidelberg).ResultsCorrelations between the measurements of the Nsite Analytics and the standard application were strong (r > 0.9; p < 0.01) in PPR RNFL thickness and in total macular retinal volume. In part, correlations of retinal layer volumes were weaker. Both applications interpreted the degree of PPR RNFL atrophy in a comparable manner (κ > 0.7; p < 0.01), except the temporal superior sector.ConclusionsAs an accessible alternative, the standard SD‐OCT can be used for measuring retinal changes in MS patients. However, an application actually designed for neurological diseases provides tools to visualize these changes and to evaluate the degree of the thickening of PPR RNFL above normal limits.