Retinal Ganglion Cell Atrophy in Homonymous Hemianopia due to Acquired Occipital Lesions Observed Using Cirrus High-Definition-OCT

Abstract EN

Purpose.

To report a reduction in macular ganglion cell layer and inner plexiform layer (GCL+IPL) thickness and circumpapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (cpRNFL) thickness using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography in patients with homonymous hemianopia due to posterior cerebral artery (PCA) stroke.

Methods.

Seven patients with PCA stroke were examined using Cirrus high-definition-OCT.

The GCL+IPL thicknesses were divided into the hemianopic and unaffected sides.

The relationship between the time after stroke and the GCL+IPL thicknesses in the hemianopic side was evaluated.

Results.

The average thicknesses of the GCL+IPL were 64.6 and 82.0 μm on the hemianopic and unaffected sides, respectively, and the measurement was significantly thinner on the former side ( p = 0.018 ).

A regression analysis revealed a negative linear relationship ( R 2 = 0.574 , p = 0.049 ) between the time after stoke and the GCL+IPL thicknesses on the hemianopic side.

The supratemporal and inferotemporal cpRNFL thicknesses in the eyes ipsilateral to the stroke showed a significant reduction.

Conclusion.

Our findings confirmed our previous observations that the degeneration of retinal ganglion cells can occur after PCA stroke.

GCL+IPL thinning was demonstrated in the hemiretinae corresponding to the affected hemifields.

Also, it is suggested that the retinal changes observed are progressive.