Purpose
The aim of this pilot study is to explore the feasibility of using OCT for examining and monitoring ocular graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) and its treatment efficacy through bandage contact lens procedures.
Methods
An anterior segment OCT system was developed for imaging microstructure, blood and lymphatic vessels and their responses to the treatment of GVHD patients. OCT imaging of the anterior segment, including cornea, conjunctiva, eyelids and tear meniscus, was conducted in four patients who had ocular GVHD after allogeneic related donor stem cell transplant, together with 3 normal subjects for comparison.
Results
OCT imaged several manifestations in ocular GVHD, including abnormal meibomian gland orifice, conjunctival keratinization, conjunctival hyperemia and chemosis, corneal epithelium opacification, thinning and sloughing. OCT also visualized the changes of vasculature and lymphatic vessels in patients during the treatment of ocular GVHD.
Conclusions
This pilot study demonstrates the feasibility of using OCT for monitoring the distinct features of microstructure, vasculature and lymphatic vessels in ocular GVHD. The detailed information extracted from OCT can be potentially used to enrich the current ocular GVHD staging system and the clinical guidelines for GVHD treatment.
Keywords: 421 anterior segment •
557 inflammation •
552 imaging methods (CT, FA, ICG, MRI, OCT, RTA, SLO, ultrasound)