Three-dimensional vascular imaging of proliferative diabetic retinopathy by Doppler optical coherence tomography.

Abstract

To evaluate the 3-dimensional architecture of neovascularization in proliferative diabetic retinopathy using Doppler optical coherence tomography (OCT). Prospective, nonrandomized clinical trial. Seventeen eyes of 14 patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy were prospectively studied. Prototype Doppler OCT was used to evaluate the 3-dimensional vascular architecture at vitreoretinal adhesions. Proliferative membranes were detected in all eyes with proliferative diabetic retinopathy by standard OCT images. Doppler OCT images detected blood flow by neovascularization of the disc in 12 eyes and neovascularization elsewhere in 11 eyes. Doppler OCT images showed the 3-dimensional extent of new vessels at various stages of neovascularization, and the extent of new vessels could be clearly confirmed at vitreoretinal adhesions. Doppler OCT is useful for the detection and evaluation of the 3-dimensional vascular structure of neovascularization, and can assist in the noninvasive assessment of proliferative diabetic retinopathy.