Evaluation of severity and time disease using new optical coherence tomography tool in multiple sclersosis patients

Abstract

AbstractPurpose: To assess the ability of Posterior Pole new protocol in optical coherence tomography (OCT) to detect areas with significant differences on retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) and ganglion cell layer (GCL) thicknesses in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) versus healthy controls; in addition, to assess the correlation between RNFL and GCL thicknesses, disease duration and the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS).Methods: We analysed 64 eyes of healthy controls and 100 eyes of remitting–relapsing multiple sclerosis (RR‐MS) patients by OCT Posterior Pole protocol. Analysis based on clinically definite time point (CDMS) dividing patients in two subgroups [CDMS‐1 (≤5 years) and CDMS‐2 (≥6 years)].Results: Significant differences in RNFL and GCL were found between RR‐MS group and healthy controls, and also for each CDMS subgroups on both layers. Moderate to strong correlations were found between RNFL and GCL thicknesses and CDSM; furthermore, we observed a strong correlation with EDSS 1 year after OCT exam.Conclusions: Posterior Pole protocol is a useful tool to assess MS; it can reveal differences even in early stages of the disease. RNFL thicknesses demonstrate strong correlation with disability status, while GCL correlates better with time of disease.