The Buffalo Neuroimaging Analysis Center (BNAC) is a dedicated research center that has expertise in conducting studies and clinical trials using optical coherence tomography (OCT).
Recently, OCT has been applied to the study of neurodegenerative neurological disorders, as it is a well-tolerated, inexpensive and reproducible technique that enables the study of different retinal layers, including those where neurons and axons reside. OCT is increasing our understanding how retinal dynamics can be a window into neurodegenerative central nervous system processes. A growing body of evidence supports the use of OCT measures such as peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (pRNFLT), ganglion cell and inner plexiform layer thickness (GCIP), inner neural layer thickness (INL) and total macular volume (TMV) in the research and clinical setting, as they reliably reflect neuroaxonal damage. Indeed, some MRI and OCT studies have shown associations between reduced pRNFLT and/or GCIP with brain atrophy, supporting the role of these measures as markers of global neurodegeneration. Furthermore, pRNFLT is related to physical and functional disability, cognitive impairment, clinical and MRI evidence of disease activity, and is able to predict long term disability in disease like multiple sclerosis (MS). Similar associations have also been found with other OCT biomarkers.
For more information about OCT imaging endpoints, click here.
FEATURED RECENT OCT STUDIES
- Ganapathy R, Zivadinov R, Bergsland N, Dwyer MG, Weinstock-Guttman B, Jakimovski D. Multiple sclerosis optic neuritis and trans-synaptic pathology on cortical thinning in people with multiple sclerosis. J Neurol 2023;270(8):3758-3769. [Open Article]
- Young N, Zivadinov R, Dwyer MG, Bergsland N, Weinstock-Guttman B, Jakimovski D, Wicks T, Bergsland N, Dwyer MG, Weinstock-Guttman B, Zivadinov R. Retinal blood vessel analysis using optical coherence tomography (OCT) in multiple sclerosis. Diagnostic 2023;13(6):596. [Open Article]
CONTACT OUR TEAM TODAY
Part of BNAC’s mission is to help share our tools and experience with our colleagues and other industry partners. If you need help with OCT analysis techniques in your research or clinical trial work, please reach out to discuss how we can assist. Our group brings decades of experience and expertise to every collaborative study and service partnership.