Structural findings obtained through Optic Coherence Tomography and Magnetic Resonance in Glaucoma: Systematic Review

Abstract

Introduction: Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is essential in evaluating glaucomatous optic neuropathy (GON), particularly in asymptomatic stages, by analyzing retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and retinal nerve fiber layers (RNFL). However, the relationship between magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings and structural biomarkers from OCT remains unclear.

Objective: To study the association between MRI and OCT findings through a systematic review, aiming to clarify their relevance in the early identification of visual system changes in GON.

Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines, a systematic review of the current literature was conducted using the PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane Library databases, searching for Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms related to optical coherence tomography, OCT, spectral-domain, magnetic resonance imaging, and glaucoma. Initially, 719 articles were identified. Independently, two researchers screened for duplicates, applied eligibility criteria, and selected 28 articles for data extraction and evaluation.

Results: Across the 28 selected articles, data from 1321 participants (781 GON and 540 controls) were analyzed. MRI structural findings were primarily associated with RNFL changes and visual field alterations, while metabolic findings appeared to correlate more with RGC changes. The most relevant MRI structural findings included a reduction in specific areas of the visual cortex and a decrease in the height and volume of the lateral geniculate nucleus. The most significant metabolic findings were indices of disruption and alterations in cerebral blood flow.

Conclusions: The combined use of MRI and OCT structural findings shows potential for further exploration, especially in the early stages of the disease.