Machine learning in optical coherence tomography angiography

Exp Biol Med (Maywood). 2021 Oct;246(20):2170-2183. doi: 10.1177/15353702211026581. Epub 2021 Jul 19.

Abstract

Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) offers a noninvasive label-free solution for imaging retinal vasculatures at the capillary level resolution. In principle, improved resolution implies a better chance to reveal subtle microvascular distortions associated with eye diseases that are asymptomatic in early stages. However, massive screening requires experienced clinicians to manually examine retinal images, which may result in human error and hinder objective screening. Recently, quantitative OCTA features have been developed to standardize and document retinal vascular changes. The feasibility of using quantitative OCTA features for machine learning classification of different retinopathies has been demonstrated. Deep learning-based applications have also been explored for automatic OCTA image analysis and disease classification. In this article, we summarize recent developments of quantitative OCTA features, machine learning image analysis, and classification.

Keywords: Retina; artificial intelligence; convolutional neural network; deep learning; machine learning; optical coherence tomography angiography; retinopathy.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Angiography / methods*
  • Capillaries / diagnostic imaging
  • Deep Learning*
  • Humans
  • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted
  • Retinal Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Retinal Diseases / diagnostic imaging*
  • Retinal Vessels / diagnostic imaging*
  • Tomography, Optical Coherence / methods*