July 2019
Volume 60, Issue 9
Open Access
ARVO Annual Meeting Abstract  |   July 2019
Analysis of vascular changes in Alzheimer’s disease and cerebrovascular accident patients via OCT angiography and MRI imaging.
Author Affiliations & Notes
  • Sahil Girish Shah
    Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, United States
  • Samuel Leeman
    Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, United States
  • Caleb Noone
    Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, United States
  • omar helmy
    Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, United States
  • Brian Silver
    Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, United States
  • Shlomit Schaal
    Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, United States
  • Footnotes
    Commercial Relationships   Sahil Shah, None; Samuel Leeman, None; Caleb Noone, None; omar helmy, None; Brian Silver, None; Shlomit Schaal, None
  • Footnotes
    Support  None
Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science July 2019, Vol.60, 1286. doi:
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      Sahil Girish Shah, Samuel Leeman, Caleb Noone, omar helmy, Brian Silver, Shlomit Schaal; Analysis of vascular changes in Alzheimer’s disease and cerebrovascular accident patients via OCT angiography and MRI imaging.. Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci. 2019;60(9):1286.

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      © ARVO (1962-2015); The Authors (2016-present)

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Abstract

Purpose : Both cerebrovascular accident (CVA) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) are disorders of aging, which can lead to cognitive decline. They often occur concurrently, yet their relationship is not yet fully understood. It is thought that their association stems from an underlying vascular disease process, hence they both share common vascular risk factors. By performing a case-control imaging study involving analyzing both neural and vascular tissue of the retina and brain, we aim to provide a better understanding of how CVA and AD presents amongst patients and define features on imaging that can help us distinguish the presentation of each condition.

Methods : Our study aims to utilize 45 subjects divided equally amongst 3 separate groups: subjects that sustained a CVA within the past 1 year, subjects that suffer from AD, and controls who have neither had a CVA nor been diagnosed with AD. Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) is being utilized during recruitment; subjects that score less than 26 for mild cognitive impairment in the experimental groups are enrolled. SD OCT / (OCTA) and MRI/MRA images are being obtained for each subject. The images are being analyzed using ImageJ software to extract measurable features from both neural tissue and vasculature as well as STATA software for statistical analysis.

Results : Initial preliminary results from 5 MRA scans and 10 OCTA images (2 per subject) demonstrate alterations in vascular structure. Parameters such as foveal avascular zone (FAZ), vessel diameter, vessel density, and tortuosity show changes compared to our control group. The vascular changes observed in imaging of AD and CVA show evidence of shared vascular risk factors. Further SD OCT and MRI results will be obtained as we continue to actively recruit patients to assess and analyze neural tissue.

Conclusions : Preliminary data show that both CVA and AD share similar vascular changes that correlate with the severity of risk factors. Early findings suggest that specific features on imaging may be able to distinguish CVA from AD on both OCTA and MRI. We hope to use these results in subsequent studies to better understand the differentiating features of CVA and AD, which may help improve future imaging techniques screening for CVA recurrence.

This abstract was presented at the 2019 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in Vancouver, Canada, April 28 - May 2, 2019.

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