Assessing Visual Pathway White Matter Degeneration in Primary Open-angle Glaucoma Using Diffusion Spectrum Imaging

Motivation: The underlying structural pathophysiology of visual white matter degeneration in primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) remains incompletely understood. Goal(s): To characterize macro- and micro-structural abnormalities in the optic tract and optic radiation of POAG by multiple morphology and diffusion metrics derived from diffusion spectrum imaging(DSI)Approach: DSI was performed on 34 bilateral POAG patients and 25 healthy controls (HCs), and multiple morphology and diffusion metrics were calculated and compared. Results: Significant differences emerged in morphology and diffusion metrics between POAG patients and HCs. Impact: Our demonstration of multiple morphology and diffusion changes in POAG utilizing DS suggests the macro- and micro-structural white matter abnormalities, which could be used for assessing POAG degenetation