Nonarteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy Group Research Articles

Differentiating optic neuropathies using laser speckle flowgraphy: Evaluating blood flow patterns in the optic nerve head and peripapillary choroid.

To compare blood flow (BF) impairment patterns in different optic neuropathies using laser speckle flowgraphy (LSFG). This retrospective study enrolled 24 eyes of 24 patients with non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAAION), 59 eyes of 59 patients with optic neuritis (ON), 677 eyes of 677 patients with open-angle glaucoma (OAG), and 110 eyes of 110 controls. The patient backgrounds of all groups were compared. Ophthalmologic findings were evaluated, adjusting for age, sex, blood pressure, pulse rate, and underlying systemic diseases with 1:1 optimal propensity score matching. We used LSFG to obtain optic nerve head (ONH) vessel-area mean blur rate (MBR; ONH-MV), ONH tissue-area MBR (ONH-MT), and choroidal MBR. The NAAION and ON groups were compared with the control and OAG groups. Best-corrected visual acuity was worse in the NAAION, ON, and OAG groups than in controls (p < 0.001). Circumpapillary retinal nerve fibre layer thickness was higher in the NAAION and ON groups and lower in the OAG group than in controls (p < 0.001). Compared to controls, the NAAION and OAG groups had significantly lower ONH-MV, ONH-MT, and choroidal MBR (p < 0.05). Additionally, the NAAION group had lower ONH-MV and choroidal MBR than the OAG group (p = 0.003 and p < 0.001, respectively) but no difference in ONH-MT (p = 0.857). The ON group had significantly lower ONH-MV and choroidal MBR compared to the controls (p < 0.001 and p = 0.022, respectively) but no difference in ONH-MT (p = 0.773). Optic neuropathies showed different patterns of ocular BF impairment. Therefore, LSFG can be a useful tool for differentiating optic neuropathies.

Nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy and incidence of Parkinson’s disease based on a nationwide population based study

This study aimed to investigate the association between nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) and Parkinson's disease (PD) using a retrospective, nationwide, population-based cohort in South Korea. This study utilized data from the Korean National Health Insurance database, including 43,960 NAION patients and 219,800 age- and sex-matched controls. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to assess the risk of developing PD in the NAION group compared to the control group after adjusting for various confounding factors. Subgroup analyses were conducted based on sex, age, and comorbidities. The incidence rate of PD was higher in the NAION group (1.326 per 1000 person-years) than in the control group (0.859 per 1000 person-years). After adjusting for confounding factors, the risk of developing PD was significantly higher in the NAION group (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 1.516, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.300–1.769). Subgroup analyses did not reveal a significant difference in the risk of PD development based on sex, age, or comorbidities. This retrospective, nationwide, population-based cohort study revealed a significant association between NAION and an increased risk of developing PD in a South Korean population. The incidence rate of PD was observed to be higher in individuals diagnosed with NAION than in age- and sex-matched controls even after adjusting for potential confounding variables, with the risk being approximately 51.6% higher in the NAION group. Further research is necessary to elucidate the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms linking NAION to PD and to determine whether similar associations exist in other ethnic and geographical populations.

Features of Peripapillary Hyperreflective Ovoid Mass-Like Structures in Nonarteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy Patients and Normal Controls.

To determine the characteristics of peripapillary hyperreflective ovoid mass-like structures (PHOMS) in patients with nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) and in normal adults. A total of 406 included eyes were divided into four groups: acute NAION group, chronic NAION group, unaffected group, and normal eyes group. PHOMS were detected on optical coherence tomography slices from optical coherence tomography angiography scans centered on the optic nerve head (ONH). The differences in age, sex, and ONH parameters were investigated between eyes with PHOMS and eyes without PHOMS among groups. The prevalence of PHOMS in acute eyes (43.48%) and fellow eyes (28.20%) was significantly higher than that in normal eyes (11.76%) (acute vs. normal, P < 0.001; fellow vs. normal, P = 0.014). In the acute group, the PHOMS score of size was negatively correlated with age in acute eyes (r = -0.486, P = 0.03). The size of PHOMS was negatively correlated with age and cup/disc ratio and positively correlated with retinal nerve fiber layer thickness in the nasal and inferior sectors in the normal groups. No differences in age, sex, ONH parameters, or visual field defects were found between eyes with PHOMS and eyes without PHOMS. The prevalence of PHOMS increased significantly in acute nonoptic disc drusen (NODD)-NAION eyes and fellow eyes. PHOMS could also be found among normal adults. PHOMS may be a nonspecific sign secondary to ONH edema and axoplasmic stasis. The high prevalence of PHOMS in acute NODD-NAION eyes may indicate axoplasmic stasis secondary to tissue edema.

THE CORRELATION BETWEEN NEUTROPHYL-LYMPHOCYTE RATIO AND OPTIC NERVE FUNCTION IN METABOLIC SYNDROME PATIENTS

Background: The neutrophil lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is a new biomarker in predicting various cardiovascular disorders and was expected to be a biomarker for Nonarteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy (NAION) in metabolic syndrome (MetS) patients. Objective: This study aims to determine the correlation between NLR and optic nerve function in MetS patients. Methods: A cross sectional study involving 42 patients divided into 3 groups, consist of control group(14 patients, 28 eyes), MetS without NAION group(14 patients, 28 eyes) and MetS with NAION group(14 patients, 19 eyes). The study was conducted at Saiful Anwar General Hospital on January-March 2019. Optic nerve function evaluation includes visual acuity (VA) from Snellen chart, Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer(RNFL) from OCT, contrast sensitivity from Pelli Robson test, and visual field defect from Humphrey's perimetry. NLR was calculated and compared among groups using anova test. Then the correlation between NLR and optic nerve function was investigated using Pearson and Spearman test. Results: The NLR was significantly different among groups (p= 0.009), mean of control, MetS without NAION, and MetS with NAION groups 1.70, 1.86, and 2.40 respectively. There were signifficant negative correlation between NLR and visual field defect (p= 0.001,r= -0.487), contrast sensitivity (p= 0.015,r= -0.372), and VA (p= 0.041,r= -0.316), whereas positive correlation between NLR and RNFL statistically insignificant (p= 0.171, r = 0.215). Conclusion: There were signifficant negative correlation between NLR and visual field defect, contrast sensitivity, VA, whereas positive correlation between NLR and RNFL statistically insignificant. NLR is expected to be a potential biomarker for screening NAION in MetS patients.

Understanding the Etiopathogenesis of Non-Arteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy with Laboratory Findings.

The role of inflammation and hemostasis in non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) was investigated by examining related blood tests. The predictive values of these laboratory indicators and their effects on prognosis were reviewed. In this study, 48 patients diagnosed with NAION and 50 healthy volunteers were included. All subjects underwent full ophthalmological examination. All patients were treated with oral corticosteroids (methylprednisolone 1 mg/kg/day) for 15 days after that corticosteroid medication was reduced and stopped. Each patient was monitored at least for 12 months. The mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet distribution width (PDW), neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and red cell distribution width (RDW) values were recorded. These findings were compared with control group. The mean MPV, RDW, and NLR values were significantly higher in NAION group (respectively, p<0.001, p=0.006, and p<0.001). There was no statistically significant difference between group 1 and group 2 in PDW values, but the mean PDW value was higher in the patient group compared to the control group (p=0.435). Based on the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, the NLR had the strongest predictive value. This was followed by MPV, RDW, and PDW with lower diagnostic predictive values. MPV, NLR, and RDW were found to be elevated and have diagnostic predictive values in NAION patients. Easily accessible and simple laboratory methods could help us show systemic inflammation and ischemic events in NAION patients. As a result, inflammatory reactions besides ischemic changes may play a role in the etiopathogenesis of NAION. These biomarkers can be evaluated to ensure that patients with risk factors for the development of NAION.

The Causes of Optic Disc Edema in Patients Presenting With Significantly Compromised Vision.

To evaluate the most common causes of optic disc edema (ODE) in patients with significantly compromised vision (initial best-corrected visual acuity [BCVA] of 20/400 or worse) at presentation. Retrospective chart review over a 5-year period of consecutive patients presenting to tertiary neuro-ophthalmology clinics at the University of Toronto. A total of 656 patients with ODE were included, and 49 patients (7.47%) had an initial BCVA of 20/400 or worse. There were 54 eyes included at baseline and 49 eyes at final follow-up. There were 29 female and 20 male patients. The mean age at first visit across patients was 55.9 years. Female patients (n = 29) were significantly older than male patients (n = 20) (P < 0.05). The causes of ODE were optic neuritis (ON) (n = 22; 40.7%), nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) (n = 22; 40.7%), arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (AAION) (n = 5; 9.26%), uveitis-related (n = 3; 5.56%), papilledema from idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) (n = 1; 1.85%), and Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease (n = 1; 1.85%). Initial BCVA was not significantly different between ON and NAION groups (P = 0.52); however, final BCVA was significantly better in the ON group (P < 0.0001). The mean initial BCVA was worst in the AAION group (2.62 ± 0.54 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution). The most common cause of ODE in patients <40 years old was ON (83.3%), whereas the 2 most common causes in patients >80 were NAION (60%) and AAION (40%). In patients between the ages of 60-80, NAION (100%) was the only cause. Patients with ODE and poor vision at presentation represent a minority of cases seen in neuro-ophthalmology clinics (<10%). Optic neuritis and NAION are the 2 most common causes of ODE with poor vision at presentation. These findings are limited by a small sample size and potential sampling bias.

Structure-function relationship between magnetic resonance imaging lesion areas and visual field defects in initial optic neuritis with altitudinal hemianopsia.

To study the spatial association of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast enhancement (CE) areas with visual field defect (VFD) asymmetry in initial cases of optic neuritis (ON) with altitudinal hemianopsia (AH) with reference to nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) with AH. Multicenter, cross-sectional study. The present study comprised 19 ON patients and 20 NAION patients with AH who underwent orbital contrast fat-suppressed MRI. The signal-to-intensity ratio (SIR) was calculated by dividing the maximum CE of the optic nerve by the mean CE of the cerebral white matter in 11 coronal sections at 3-mm intervals from immediately posterior to the eyeball to the optic chiasm. Sections in ON patients with an SIR exceeding the mean plus 2 standard deviations of the SIR at the corresponding section in the NAION group were considered abnormal. The correlation between upper-to-lower CE asymmetry in the maximum SIR section and VFD counterpart was determined. The ON group had significantly higher maximum SIR than that of the NAION group (1.77 ± 0.88 vs. 1.25 ± 0.32; P < .01). Seven of the 19 patients had sections with abnormally high CE extending posteriorly beyond the orbital apex. Significant spatial correspondence was observed between CE and VFD asymmetry (rs = 0.563; P = .015) in the ON group but not in the NAION group (rs = - 0. 048; P = .850). ON patients with AH frequently show CE even in the intracerebral optic nerve, maintaining a moderate structure-function correspondence.

Accuracy of peripapillary OCTA in patients with acute nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy

ObjectifÉvaluer l'exactitude de la segmentation péripapillaire par angiographie-tomographie par cohérence optique (OCTA) dans des yeux présentant une neuropathie optique ischémique antérieure non artéritique (NOIANA) aiguë et dans des yeux sains. MéthodeDans le cadre de cette étude rétrospective, on a obtenu des images OCTA en face du disque optique d'yeux sains et d'yeux présentant une NOIANA aiguë unilatérale. Les délimitations de la bordure du disque optique et la segmentation du capillaire péripapillaire radial (RPC) ont été générées automatiquement par le logiciel de l'appareil et corrigées par 2 examinateurs spécialisés qui ont évalué la fréquence des erreurs de segmentation et leurs répercussions sur la mesure de la densité vasculaire et de l’épaisseur de la couche de fibres nerveuses (NFL). RésultatsAinsi, 38 yeux de 38 sujets (18 dans le groupe de témoins en bonne santé et 20 dans le groupe NOIANA aiguë) ont pris part à l’étude. Une mauvaise identification de la bordure du disque optique s'est produite dans 5 yeux sains (27,7 %) et dans 19 yeux présentant une NOIANA (95,0 %; p < 0,001). Une erreur de segmentation du RPC a été observée dans 6 yeux sains (33,33 %) et dans 19 yeux présentant une NOIANA (95,0 %; p < 0,001). Une fois les erreurs corrigées, l’épaisseur de la NFL et la densité du RPC n'ont pas varié de manière statistiquement significative dans ni l'un ni l'autre des groupes. ConclusionsL'identification erronée de la bordure du disque optique et les erreurs de segmentation de la couche de RPC sont fréquentes dans les images OCTA du disque optique. L'exactitude de l'imagerie OCTA en matière de délimitation de la bordure du disque optique et de segmentation du réseau de RPC est moindre lorsque le disque optique est œdématié en raison d'une NOIANA aiguë.

Citicoline in Non–arteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy: Pattern Electroretinography review

This study aims to assess 1000 mg citicoline each day given for 60 days on chronic phase NAION (non–arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy) patients. Double masked randomized clinical trial divided the patients into 2 groups: citicoline group (C–NAION) and placebo group (P–NAION). Analysis was done in 17 patients in each group. There were increament of ? amplitude P50 30 days in C–NAION group (0,775±2,6 µV) and ? amplitude N95 60 days in C–NAION group (–0,356±2,992 µV) but statistically insignificant compared to P–NAION. Age has a good correlation with ? amplitude P50 (r = –0.517; p = 0.002). Subjects with 1 risk factor experienced a higher ? amplitude of P50 than the subjects with more than 1 risk factor (1.856 ± 2.121 ?V vs –0.26 ± 2.45; p = 0.025). Citicoline did not show any changes in Retinal Ganglion Cell Thickness. There were improvement of ? mean deviation 60 days in C–NAION group (3,13±6,467 dB), but statistically insignificant compared to P–NAION. Citicoline tends to increase the ? amplitude of P50, N95 and mean deviation in chronic phase NAION. Age and the number of risk factors affects the increase of ? amplitude P50.

Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer-to-Disc Ratio Distinguishing Glaucoma from Nonarteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy

Purpose: To evaluate the diagnostic value of retinal nerve fiber layer-to-disc ratio (RDR) compared to established parameters including retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (RNFLT), Bruch membrane opening-minimum rim width (BMO-MRW), and Bruch membrane opening-minimum rim area (BMO-MRA) for differentiating between open angle glaucoma (OAG) and nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION).Methods: This retrospective study included 23 optic disc size-matched normal control eyes and 23 OAG and NAION eyes matched according to global RNFLT. The RDR, RNFLT, BMO-MRW, and BMO-MRA were analyzed; the diagnostic capabilities of these parameters were compared using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC).Results: The global BMO-MRW and total BMO-MRA were lower in the OAG group than in the other two groups (all &lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; &lt; 0.001). RDR was greatest in the OAG group, followed by the healthy and NAION groups (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; &lt; 0.001). Between the OAG and NAION groups, the AUCs for temporal inferior BMO-MRW, total BMO-MRA, and RDR were 0.987, 0.996, and 1.000, respectively; these were greater than the temporal inferior RNFLT (0.811; &lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; = 0.005, &lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; = 0.006, and &lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; = 0.006, respectively).Conclusions: RDR could be one of the useful parameters for differential diagnosis in OAG and NAION.

Evaluation of Optic Disc Perfusion with Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography in Acute Non-arteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy

Objectives:This study aimed to evaluate superficial peripapillary vascularization qualitatively and quantitatively in patients with acute non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A).Materials and Methods:Eleven patients with acute NAION and 14 controls were evaluated retrospectively. Complete ophthalmologic examination with best corrected visual acuity, peripheral visual field test, and disc angiography with OCT-A were performed. Quantitative optic disc perfusion indexes were evaluated by the device with automatically segmentation and qualitative comparison of choroidal, retinal, and en-face peripapillary perfusion angiogram images.Results:In the NAION and control groups, mean age was 57.55±12.34 years and 50.79±4.67 years (p=0.110), the proportion of women was 7/11 (63.6%) and 9/14 (60%), and best corrected visual acuity was 0.95±0.63 and 0.00±0.0 LogMAR (p=0.001), respectively. Visual field defect was present in 10/11 (91%) eyes in the NAION group. In 6 patients, visual field defects were correlated with areas of peripapillary and optic nerve head hypoperfusion. In the patient group, optic nerve head capillary density was significantly decreased (p=0.008) and radial peripapillary capillary density was significantly decreased in all sectors except the inferonasal sector.Conclusion:In our study, we observed that visual field evaluations were partially correlated with optic nerve head and peripapillary capillary perfusion assessed by OCT-A. Being practical and non-invasive, OCT-A is a useful and up-to-date method for evaluating perfusion in NAION.

Quantification of peripapillary vessel density in non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy patients with optical coherence tomography angiography.

Quantitative assessments based on optical coherence tomographic angiography (OCTA) may have potential promising value in the early detection of non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NA-AION), but there is limited information on the ability of OCTA to distinguish eyes with NA-AION. This study was conducted to evaluate the ability of measurements of peripapillary perfusion using OCTA to distinguish healthy eyes from eyes with NA-AION. In this retrospective case-control study, newly diagnosed NA-AION patients and healthy controls matched at a ratio of 1:3 by gender and age (±5 years) were enrolled from 1 September 2020 to 30 June 2021. Peripapillary vessel density (pVD) was examined based on the area of vessels by means of a 4.5 mm OCTA scan. In addition, peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL) thickness was obtained from structural optical coherence tomography (OCT), as was the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC). A total of 29 eyes from 28 cases with NA-AION and 99 healthy eyes from 68 participants were imaged. All participants were Chinese. The NA-AION group showed a significant reduction of the pVD (P<0.001), while all subregions of pRNFL thickness were prominent in all 8 quadrants (P>0.05). The pVD of the optic disc in the superior temporal (ST) region showed better diagnostic accuracy (AUC =0.86) in discriminating the NA-AION group from healthy controls. After adjusting for confounders, ST was independently associated with the presence of NA-AION [odds ratio (OR) =0.971, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.943-0.990, P=0.048]. Decreased pVD was detected by non-invasive measurements of OCTA in the eyes of NA-AION patients. This finding may reveal an association between the ST region and the presence of NA-AION. The pVD may have potential diagnostic ability and may serve as an additional biomarker in the management of the disease.

Clinical characteristics of choroidal microvasculature dropout in normal-tension glaucoma versus nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy: an optical coherence tomography angiography study

The present study investigated the characteristics of choroidal microvasculature dropout (CMvD) in eyes with nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) versus those in eyes with normal-tension glaucoma (NTG). This study included 27 NAION, 27 NTG, and 27 healthy control subjects. CMvD was observed in 15 eyes (55.6%) of the NAION group and 20 (74.1%) of the NTG group. The area and angular width of CMvD were significantly greater in eyes with NAION (0.278 ± 0.172 mm2 and 86.5 ± 42.3°) than in those with NTG (0.138 ± 0.068 mm2 and 35.1 ± 16.2°, p = 0.002 and p < 0.001, respectively). CMvD in eyes with NAION were distributed in 120–250° and most frequently located at the temporal region, while CMvD in eyes with NTG showed double peaks at 220–280° and 110–140° and most frequently located at the inferotemporal region. The factors associated with the discrimination of NAION from NTG were greater area of CMvD (OR, 1.181; 95% CI, 1.021–1.366; p = 0.025) and location closer to the temporal region of the CMvD (OR, 0.904; 95% CI, 0.838–0.975; p = 0.009). The clinical characteristics of CMvD differed between eyes with NAION and those with NTG. Optical coherence tomography angiography may provide an additional approach to differentiating glaucoma from NAION.

Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography and Structural Analyses of the Pale Optic Discs: Is It Possible to Differentiate the Cause?

ABSTRACT Introduction: To compare the optic nerve head (ONH) structure and microvasculature in patients with optic atrophy due to non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION), compressive optic neuropathy (CON), methanol-induced optic neuropathy (MION), and traumatic optic neuropathy (TON) using optical coherence tomography angiography. Methods: In this comparative, cross-sectional study, 32 eyes with NAION, 18 eyes with CON, 32 eyes with MION, 23 eyes with TON, and 55 normal eyes were enrolled. Radial peripapillary capillary (RPC) vessel density, peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness, disc area, cup volume, and cup/disc area ratio were obtained using the RTVue XR Avanti system (Optovue Inc., Fremont, CA, USA). Results: RPC vessel density and peripapillary RNFL thickness in all patients were significantly lower than normal subjects. A positive correlation was found between the RPC vessel density and peripapillary RNFL thickness in normal subjects and all study groups. The positive correlation between the inside and outside disc RPC vessel density was only found in the NAION (r = 0.36, P = .042) and MION (r = 0.42, P = .018) groups. No significant difference was found among the groups in terms of peripapillary and inside disc vascular densities (all P > .05). Disc area and cup volume in patients with MION was larger than the values in patients with NAION (P = .018) and TON (P = .044) and normal subjects (P = .015). The discriminating features among the study groups were the larger cup volume and cup/disc area ratio in patients with MION, and lower RNFL thickness in patients with TON. Conclusions: There was a positive correlation between the RNFL thickness and peripapillary RPC vessel density regardless of the cause of optic disc pallor. Structural evaluation of the ONH seems to be a better way to differentiate the cause of optic nerve head atrophy than the microangiographic changes.

Clinical characteristics of progressive nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy.

To study whether patients with progressive nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) present earlier than patients with stable NAION and to describe their clinical characteristics and visual outcome. This was a retrospective chart review. All patients with NAION seen during the acute stage from January 2012 to December 2018 were reviewed. Patients were included if they had documented disc edema and follow up of at least 3mo. Patients with progressive NAION were identified if they worsened in 2 out of 3 parameters: visual acuity ≥3 Snellen lines; Color vision ≥4 Ishihara plates; the visual field defect involved a new quadrant. The clinical characteristics, time from symptom onset to presentation, systemic risk factors and visual outcome were compared to patients with stable NAION. Totally 122 NAION cases met the inclusion criteria. Mean age was 58.1y (range 22-74), 70% were men. Twenty cases (16.4%) had progressive NAION. Patients with progressive NAION did not differ from stable NAION in their demographics, systemic risk factors or in their initial visual deficit. At last follow up, median visual acuity was 1.0 logMAR (IQR 0.64-1.55) in patients with progressive NAION, vs 0.18 (IQR 0.1-0.63) in stable NAION (P<0.001). Median color vision testing was 0 plates correct (IQR 0-2.5%) vs 92% plates correct (IQR 50%-100%) in the stable NAION group (P<0.001). Patients with progressive NAION differed in the time from symptom onset to presentation (median 2d vs 5d, P=0.011). We find no identifiable risk factors associated with progressive NAION. Progressors arrive earlier for ophthalmological evaluation.

Follow-Up of Nonarteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy With Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography.

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to describe capillary changes in patients with nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) using optical coherence tomography-angiography (OCT-A) and correlate the results with best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), visual field, OCT retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL), and combined thickness of ganglion cell and inner plexiform layers (GCIPL) thicknesses.MethodsWe enrolled 22 eyes with acute NAION and 30 normal control (NC) subjects in this study. Whole en face image vessel density (WiVD) was measured in the radial peripapillary capillary plexus (RPC), superficial capillary plexus (SCP), and deep vascular complex (DVC) using OCT-A. The examination was repeated at 1 (M1), 3 (M3), 6 (M6), and 9 (M9) months after presentation for NAION.ResultsThe initial RPC WiVD was significantly reduced in the acute NAION group compared to the NC group (P < 0.0001). Over the course of NAION follow-up, RPC WiVD was significantly reduced at M1 (P < 0.001 compared to M0) and M3 (P < 0.0001 compared to M1). However, there was no significant further decrease at M6 and M9. The initial SCP WiVD was significantly reduced in the NAION group compared to the NC group (P < 0.0001 for both). Over the course of NAION follow-up, a significant decrease was observed for SCP WiVD at M1 (P < 0.001 compared to M0), but no significant change was seen at M3, M6, or M9. DVC was normal in the NAION group. Correlations were found between GCIPL and SCP WiVD in the NAION acute phase (R = 0.604, P = 0.003) and in the M9 atrophic stage (R = 0.551, P = 0.009). At M9, RPC WiVD was correlated with BCVA (R = −0.562, P = 0.007), mean deviation (R = 0.518, P = 0.01), and RNFL (R = 0.655, P = 0.001).ConclusionsOver the course of NAION, OCT-A provided detailed visualization of retinal capillary plexus involvement.

Serum Inflammatory Biomarkers in Patients with Nonarteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy.

PurposeTo evaluate the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) in patients with non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION).MethodsFifty-six patients with NAION and 60 age-sex matched healthy controls were included in the study. Demographic characteristics and laboratory findings of the patients and the controls were obtained from the electronic medical records. NLR, PLR, MLR, and SII were calculated and compared between the groups. Cutoff values were also determined.ResultsNeutrophil, monocyte and platelet counts were higher in the NAION group than in the control group, but the difference was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). The mean NLR and SII were higher in the NAION group than in the control group (p = 0.004 and p = 0.011, respectively). In the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, the areas under the curve for NLR were 0.67, and NLR >1.79 predicted NAION with a sensitivity of 71% and specificity of 59%. The areas under the curve for SII was 0.66, and SII of >417 predicted NAION with a sensitivity of 71% and specificity of 49%. There was no significant difference in PLR and MLR between the groups (p = 0.105 and p = 0.347, respectively).ConclusionsThe current study demonstrated that NAION patients had increased NLR and SII levels compared with control subjects. Elevated NLR and SII might serve as readily available inflammatory predictors in NAION patients.

Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography Assessment of the Peripapillary Vessel Density and Structure in Patients with Nonarteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy: A Meta-Analysis.

Background This meta-analysis is aimed at assessing the peripapillary vessel density (VD) and structural outcomes using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) in patients with nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION). Methods A comprehensive search of PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases for literature comparing VD and structural outcomes in patients with NAION and controls was performed. Mean differences (MDs) and its 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated for continuous estimates. Review Manager (V5.30) was used for analysis. Results Fourteen published studies met the requirement. The radial peripapillary capillary (RPC) whole enface VD measured by OCTA was significantly lower in patients with NAION compared to that of the controls (MD = −10.51, P < 0.00001). The RPC inside disc VD was significantly decreased in the NAION group than that in the control group (MD = −8.47, P < 0.00001). For RPC peripapillary VD, there was a statistically significant difference between patients with NAION and the controls (MD = −12.48, P < 0.00001). The peripapillary retinal nerve fibre layer (p-RNFL) thickness was significantly lower in patients with NAION in comparison to the controls (MD = −22.18, P = 0.004). The ganglion cell complex (GCC) thickness in the macular zone of NAION patients was remarkably reduced compared to that in the controls (MD = −17.18, P = 0.0002). Conclusions The findings suggested that the peripapillary VD and RNFL thickness were attenuated, and the macular GCC thickness was reduced in patients with NAION. OCTA, in the future, may facilitate the diagnosis and monitoring of patients with NAION.

Differentiation of Nonarteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy from Normal Tension Glaucoma by Comparison of the Lamina Cribrosa.

PurposeTo compare lamina cribrosa (LC) morphology between eyes with nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) and eyes with normal tension glaucoma (NTG) in the Korean population.MethodsThis retrospective study included 48 eyes with NAION, 48 eyes with NTG, and 48 healthy control eyes matched by age, intraocular pressure, axial length, and optic disc area. Eyes with NAION and NTG were also matched by retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness in the affected sector. Optic nerve heads were scanned using enhanced depth imaging spectral-domain optical coherence tomography. LC depth (LCD) and the LC curvature index (LCCI) were measured at seven locations spaced equidistantly across the vertical optic disc diameter. LCD and the LCCI were compared in the three groups.ResultsRNFL thicknesses of the matched affected sectors did not differ between the NAION and NTG groups (P = 0.347). LCD and the LCCI were significantly larger in the NTG group than in the NAION and healthy control groups at all seven planes (P < 0.001 each), but were comparable in the NAION and healthy control groups. The LCCI was larger in the affected than in the unaffected sector of NTG eyes (P = 0.010) but did not differ in NAION eyes (P = 1.000). LCD did not differ between affected and unaffected sectors in either NAION (P = 0.600) or NTG (P = 0.098) eyes.ConclusionsLC morphology differed in eyes with NAION and NTG, despite a similar degree of RNFL damage. Evaluation of LC morphology may help to understand the distinctive pathophysiology of NAION and to differentiate NAION from NTG eyes.

Association Study of MTHFR Polymorphisms with Nonarteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy in a Spanish Population

Introduction: Nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION), painless loss of central and/or peripheral vision, is a multifactorial disease caused by insufficient blood flow through the posterior ciliary arteries to the optic nerve head. Mutations in the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene, triggering hyperhomocysteinemia as a consequence of a decreased activity of the codified enzyme, have been considered to be among the risk factors of NAION. Objective: The main aim was to study the association of the most common MTHFR genetic polymorphisms C677T and A1298C with NAION in a Spanish population. Methods: In this case-control study, the association of the most common MTHFR polymorphisms was investigated in 94 unrelated native Spanish patients diagnosed with NAION and 204 healthy controls. Two single nucleotide polymorphisms located in the MTHFR gene, C677T (rs1801133) and A1298C (rs1801131), were analyzed by DNA sequencing and TaqMan assays. Results: The allelic and genotypic frequencies of the MTHFR variants obtained in the NAION group were not significantly different when compared with the control group. A higher frequency of the C677T/A1298C genotype, codifying the nonmutated MTHFR form, was obtained in control subjects (11.27%) compared to NAION patients (4.26%), suggesting a protective effect of the wild-type protein, although this result was not conclusive considering the obtained confidence interval (CI) (95% CI: 0.13–1.06). Study of additional clinical factors including hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and dyslipidemia showed no association with a higher risk of NAION. Conversely, the clinical history of heart or cerebrovascular diseases was significantly higher in NAION patients compared to controls. Over the world, risk variants of the MTHFR gene are highly frequent, excluding African black populations, indicating a racial influence. Conclusions: The MTHFR variants did not significantly increase the risk of suffering from NAION. However, considering that individuals with at least one of the risk variants have the MTHFR enzyme with decreased activity, it cannot be ruled out that these mutations are relevant for the development of NAION in a subgroup of the population with other specific characteristics. These may include high plasma levels of homocysteine along with nutritional deficiencies including low folate or vitamin B12 and the combination of systemic and local risk factors.