[Imaging of retinal arteries with adaptative optics, feasibility and reproducibility]

Abstract

Objective: Adaptative optic is a new non-invasive imaging technique that allows to measure arterioles wall thickness and diameter with a resolution near two microns. Our objectives were to evaluate the feasibility and the reproducibility of this technique in untreated hypertensive patients.

Design and methods: In 23 naive hypertensive patients and in 14 normotensives, the internal diameter (ID) and the wall thickness of the superior temporal artery were automatically measured. Those measurements were made on a temporal artery segment and led to determine a whole vessel cross sectional area (WCSA) and a wall to lumen ratio (WLR). Intra-observer reproducibility was evaluated by realizing three consecutive measurements in 14 subjects. Inter-observer reproducibility was assessed by two independent readers in 17 patients. Variation coefficient was calculated as SD/mean values. A comparison of retinal parameters was made between normal and hypertensive subjects.

Results: Inter-observer reproducibility indicated a variation coefficient of 1.3% for ID, 3.7% for the WCSA and 3.2% for the WLR. Intra-observer reproducibility indicated a variation coefficient of 3.2% for the WLR. Arterial remodeling was present in hypertensive patients at baseline with a significantly increased WLR as compared to normal subjects (0.32 ± 0.04 vs. 0.26 ± 0.04; P<0.05), both population having the same ID.

Conclusion: Adaptative optics is feasible and reproducible technique. The possibility of a direct and non-invasive assessment of retinal arterioles must assess the attractions in this technique in hypertensive patients' care.

Keywords: Adaptative optics; Arterial hypertension; Artérioles; Hypertension artérielle; Optique adaptative; Rapport paroi-lumière; Retina; Rétine; Small arteries; Wall to lumen ratio.