Three-Dimensional Volume Calculation of Intrachoroidal Cavitation Using Deep-Learning–Based Noise Reduction of Optical Coherence Tomography

Abstract

Purpose Intrachoroidal cavitations (ICCs) are peripapillary pathological lesions generally associated with high myopia that can cause visual field (VF) defects. The current study aimed to evaluate a three-dimensional (3D) volume parameter of ICCs segmented from volumetric swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) images processed using deep learning (DL)-based noise reduction and to investigate its correlation with VF sensitivity. Methods Thirteen eyes of 12 consecutive patients with peripapillary ICCs were enrolled. DL-based denoising and further analyses were applied to parapapillary 6 × 6-mm volumetric SS-OCT scans. Then, 3D ICC volume and two-dimensional depth and length measurements of the ICCs were calculated. The correlations between ICC parameters and VF sensitivity were investigated. Results The ICCs were located in the inferior hemiretina in all eyes. ICC volume ( P = 0.02; regression coefficient [RC], −0.007) and ICC length ( P = 0.04; RC, −4.51) were negatively correlated with the VF mean deviation, whereas ICC depth ( P = 0.15) was not. All of the parameters, including ICC volume ( P = 0.01; RC, −0.004), ICC depth ( P = 0.02; RC, −0.008), and ICC length ( P = 0.045; RC, −2.11), were negatively correlated with the superior mean total deviation. Conclusions We established the volume of ICCs as a new 3D parameter, and it reflected their influence on visual function. The automatic delineation and 3D rendering may lead to improved detection and pathological understanding of ICCs. Translational Relevance This study demonstrated the correlation between the 3D volume of ICCs and VF sensitivity.

Factors associated with intrachoroidal cavitation and sinkhole formation in eyes with glaucomatous visual-field defects

“…The finding that ICCs were typically observed inferior to the ONH is consistent with previous reports [ 4 , 28 ]. In addition, sinkholes were also typically observed on the inferior edge of the ONH.…”

Myopic (Peri)papillary Changes and Visual Field Defects

“…To date, three series including the present study have analyzed VFDs in PICC using Humphrey VF systematically in all included eyes. 9 , 26 Among them, our series managed to compile the largest number of PICCs. 9 , 26 The prevalence of VFDs in PICC (65%) that we observed was between that of Fujimoto et al (54%) and that of Okuma et al (74%).…”

“… 9 , 26 Among them, our series managed to compile the largest number of PICCs. 9 , 26 The prevalence of VFDs in PICC (65%) that we observed was between that of Fujimoto et al (54%) and that of Okuma et al (74%). 9 , 26 This discrepancy in prevalence could be related to the grade of the PICC: the more the PICC extends around the OD or the conus, the more likely it is that the eye is affected by VFD.…”

“…The proportion of large PICCs (grades 2 and 3) was lower in our series than in theirs, respectively (15% vs 22.6%) with grade 2 involvement and (5% vs 12.9%) of grade 3 involvement. More recently, Fujimoto 26 et al explored the relationship between PICC volume and VFDs. Using a combination of three-dimensional swept source OCT volume rendering and deep learning-based noise reduction, they revealed a correlation between three-dimensional PICC volume and VF sensitivity, supporting our hypothesis.…”

Multimodal imaging of optic nerve head abnormalities in high myopia

“…Rohan et al achieved a side profile view of PICC through three-dimensional disk cube reconstruction imaging. Additionally, Fujimoto et al successfully implemented a deep learning-based denoising, delineation, and 3D rendering system to establish PICC volume as a new three-dimensional parameter ( 53 , 54 ). They subsequently demonstrated its ability to reflect the correlation between PICC volume and VF sensitivity.…”