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Radiomic analysis of the optic nerve at the first episode of acute optic neuritis: an indicator of optic nerve pathology and a predictor of visual recovery?

  • Head, Neck and Dental Radiology
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Abstract

Objective

Retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (RNFL) is a biomarker of neuroaxonal loss and index of visual function in multiple sclerosis (MS). We aimed to assess the correlation between radiomic features and RNFL, visual acuity (VA) at patients’ presentation, visual outcome (VO), and clinical diagnosis.

Methods

We reviewed imaging and clinical data of 25 patients with a first episode of optic neuritis (ON) (14 females, 11 males; 5 bilateral ON; 7 left ON; 13 right ON). All patients underwent a complete ophthalmological assessment, including visual acuity and RNFL, neurological evaluation, orbits MRI. Segmentation of the optic nerves was performed through 3D slicer open software to get radiomics analysis. All patients underwent a complete neuro-ophthalmological follow-up at 6 months to assess the VO, classified as: complete recovery, partial recovery, deficit persistence/relapse, or visual worsening and were diagnosed as MS or clinically isolated syndrome.

Results

We observed significant correlations between radiomic features and RNFL and between radiomic features and VA. Regression model analysis identified 1 radiomic feature with significant association with VO (Gray Level non-uniformity Normalized, p = 0.004) and 6 radiomic features with significant correlation with diagnosis (High Gray Level Zone Emphasis, p < 0.001; Entropy, p < 0.001, for T1 segmentation; Mean Absolute Deviation, p < 0.001; Coarseness < 0.001; Small Area Low Gray Level Emphasis, p < 0.001; Contrast, p = 0.008, for STIR segmentation).

Conclusion

Orbits MRI analysis at the first episode of ON has the potential to assess the visual function and VO in ON patients, and predict MS development.

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Funding

No funding has been received for this study.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Radiology Department, ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco, Piazza Principessa Clotilde 3, 20123, Milan, Italy

    Michaela Cellina & Giancarlo Oliva

  2. Neurology Department, ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco, Piazza Principessa Clotilde 3, 20123, Milan, Italy

    Marta Pirovano & Matteo Ciocca

  3. Dipartimento Di Scienze Biomediche Per La Salute, Università Degli Studi Di Milano, Via Mangiagalli 31, 20121, Milan, Italy

    Daniele Gibelli

  4. Department of Radiology - Division of Special and Pediatric Radiology, University Hospital “Umberto I - Lancisi – Salesi”, Via Conca 71, 60126, Ancona, AN, Italy

    Chiara Floridi

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  1. Michaela Cellina
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Correspondence to Michaela Cellina.

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Cellina, M., Pirovano, M., Ciocca, M. et al. Radiomic analysis of the optic nerve at the first episode of acute optic neuritis: an indicator of optic nerve pathology and a predictor of visual recovery?. Radiol med 126, 698–706 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11547-020-01318-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11547-020-01318-4

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