Shashi Ahuja
Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, India
Title: Retinal nerve fibre layer thickness analysis in cases of papilledema using optical coherence tomography: A case control study
Biography
Biography: Shashi Ahuja
Abstract
Background: Papilledema is defined as an optic disc swelling that is secondary to elevated intracranial pressure. Early diagnosis of papilledema can help in early intervention thus preventing visual loss and even death. Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) is a non-invasive imaging technique which can detect and quantify diffuse thickening of the Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer (RNFL) in eyes with optic disc edema. Objective: To assess the difference in the RNFL thickness in patients with papilledema from controls using OCT and to correlate the RNFL thickness with the degree of papilledema. Materials & Methods: All adult patients diagnosed or suspected to have papilledema were included in the study. Disc photographs were graded according to modified Frisen criteria. Fast RNFL protocol on time domain OCT was used. Cases and controls were compared. Results: A total of 100 cases and 126 controls were studied. Statistically significant thickening of Retinal Nerve Fibre Layer (RNFL) was seen in all quadrants in patients with papilledema as compared to controls. A positive correlation was found between Frisen grading of papilledema RNFL thickness measurements Conclusions: Thickening was mainly in the inferior and superior peripapillary region and was greater in higher grades of papilledema. A strong positive correlation was found between RNFL thickness and the Frisen scale for grading of papilledema. OCT can be included as a routine non-invasive quantitative tool for detection of early papilledema.