Observation of posterior visual pathway in early-stage primary open-angle glaucoma suspects with magnetic resonance diffusion tensor imaging system

Objective To investigate the early changes and features of posterior visual pathway in primary angle-open glaucoma (POAG) suspects on magnetic resonance diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). Methods Twenty cases of POAG suspects and 20 normal subjects were studied in perspective of DTI parameters, spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) measurements and visual field. Results The peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer thickness was thinner in POAG suspects with P <0.001. Fractional anisotropy (FA) values of optic tract and optic radiation of POAG suspects were lower than those of normal controls (P <0.05). Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values of optic tract were not different from those of controls, as well as the volume of lateral geniculate. Conclusions There are micro changes and damage of visual pathway in POAG suspects, and DTI can detect the micro changes. DTI or the combination of DTI and SD-OCT is of significant help in early diagnosis and treatment of POAG. Key words: Magnetic resonance imaging; Diffusion tensor imaging; Primary open-angle glaucoma; Visual pathway