Yi
Zhang1, 2, Oscar San Emeterio Nateras1,
Joseph M. Harrison3, Qi Peng1, Timothy Duong1,
2
1Radiology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States; 2Research Imaging Institute, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States; 3Ophthalmology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States
Altered ocular blood circulation and metabolic environment have been implicated in the degenerative process and/or the pathogenesis of retinitis pigmentosa (RP), yet the lack of non-invasive imaging techniques have limited the investigation and full understanding of such mechanism. This study presents an innovative MRI approach to study blood flow and BOLD functional MRI responses of hyperoxia in retinas of RP patients. MRI findings were discussed and compared with clinical eye exams. With improvement in spatiotemporal resolution and sensitivity, MRI has the potential to provide unique, depth-resolved information on blood flow, oxygenation and function changes in RP and other retinal diseases.