The Application of Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography in Alzheimer's Disease: A Systematic Review

Overview

Journal Alzheimers Dement (Amst)

Date 2021 Mar 15

PMID 33718582

Citations 31

Authors

Olivia M Rifai

Sarah McGrory

Cason B Robbins

Dilraj S Grewal

Andy Liu

Sharon Fekrat

Thomas J MacGillivray

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Introduction: Discovering non-invasive and easily acquired biomarkers that are conducive to the accurate diagnosis of dementia is an urgent area of ongoing clinical research. One promising approach is retinal imaging, as there is homology between retinal and cerebral vasculature. Recently, optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A) has emerged as a promising new technology for imaging the microvasculature of the retina.

Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to examine the application of OCT-A in dementia.

Results: Fourteen studies assessing OCT-A in preclinical Alzheimer's disease (AD), mild cognitive impairment, or AD were included. Exploratory meta-analyses revealed a significant increase in the foveal avascular zone area and a significant decrease in superficial parafoveal and whole vessel density in AD, although there was significant heterogeneity between studies.

Discussion: Although certain OCT-A metrics may have the potential to serve as biomarkers for AD, the field requires further standardization to allow conclusions to be reached regarding their clinical utility.

Citing Articles

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Retinal vasculometry associations with cognition status in UK Biobank.

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Retinal Microstructural and Microvascular Changes in Alzheimer Disease: A Review.

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Unlocking the Potential of Vessel Density and the Foveal Avascular Zone in Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography as Biomarkers in Alzheimer's Disease.

Vagiakis I, Bakirtzis C, Andravizou A, Pirounides D Healthcare (Basel). 2024; 12(16).

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