Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive and irreversible neurodegenerative disease. Neuroimaging based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is one of the most intuitive and reliable methods to perform AD screening and diagnosis. Clinical head MRI detection generates multimodal image data, and to solve the problem of multimodal MRI processing and information fusion, this paper proposes a structural and functional MRI feature extraction and fusion method based on generalized convolutional neural networks (gCNN). The method includes a three-dimensional residual U-shaped network based on hybrid attention mechanism (3D HA-ResUNet) for feature representation and classification for structural MRI, and a U-shaped graph convolutional neural network (U-GCN) for node feature representation and classification of brain functional networks for functional MRI. Based on the fusion of the two types of image features, the optimal feature subset is selected based on discrete binary particle swarm optimization, and the prediction results are output by a machine learning classifier. The validation results of multimodal dataset from the AD Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) open-source database show that the proposed models have superior performance in their respective data domains. The gCNN framework combines the advantages of these two models and further improves the performance of the methods using single-modal MRI, improving the classification accuracy and sensitivity by 5.56% and 11.11%, respectively. In conclusion, the gCNN-based multimodal MRI classification method proposed in this paper can provide a technical basis for the auxiliary diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease.
Central serous chorioretinitis (CSC) is a kind of choroidal retinopathy characterized by choroidal vasodilatation and hyperpermeability, retinal pigment epithelial cell lesions and serous retinal detachment. Various imaging examinations and imaging techniques have been used to describe the characteristics of the retina and choroid. Fundus manifestations of different types of CSC has both generality, and have their respective characteristic. The classification of CSC and its differentiation from other diseases including the choroidal neovascularization and pachychoroidopathy spectrum depending on varieties of fundus imaging techniques. The current study aims to review the various performance characteristics of CSC especially for chronic CSC with multimodal imaging and the current research progress, so as to provide reference for ophthalmologists to more comprehensively and intuitively understand the clinical characteristics and potential pathogenesis of CSC, and also to provide basis for multimodal imaging assisted diagnosis and treatment.
Cardiovascular diseases is the leading cause of threat to human life and health worldwide. Early risk assessment, timely diagnosis, and prognosis evaluation are critical to the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Currently, the evaluation of diagnosis and prognosis of cardiovascular diseases mainly relies on imaging examinations such as coronary CT and coronary angiography, which are expensive, time-consuming, partly invasive, and require high professional competence of the operator, making it difficult to promote in the community or in areas where medical resources are scarce. The fundus microcirculation is a part of the human microcirculation and has similar embryological origins and physiopathological features to cardiovascular circulation. Several studies have revealed fundus imaging biomarkers associated with cardiovascular diseases, and developed and validated intelligent diagnosis and treatment models for cardiovascular diseases based on fundus imaging data. Fundus imaging is expected to be an important adjunct to cardiovascular disease diagnosis and treatment given its noninvasive and convenient nature. The purpose of this review is to summarize the current research status, challenges, and future prospects of the application of artificial intelligence based on multimodal fundus imaging data in cardiovascular disease diagnosis and treatment.
ObjectiveTo observe multimodal imaging characteristics in eyes with focal choroidal excavation (FCE) and preliminarily analyze the risk factors in FCE with complications correlated with RPE.MethodsA retrospective case series. Thirty-one patients (31 eyes) with monocular FCE, first identified by spectral-domain (SD)-OCT in the Eye Center of The Second People’s Hospital of Foshan from December 2014 to December 2018, were involved in this study. There were 14 males and 17 females, with the mean age of 45.84±13.57 years. All patients underwent BCVA, optometry, and SD-OCT examinations. FFA and ICGA were simultaneously performed in 3 FCE patients with RPE complications. The subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT) and excavation width were measured with enhanced depth imaging OCT (EDI-OCT). The eyes with FCE were divided into two groups (FCE alone group 17 eyes vs. FCE complication group 14 eyes), based on whether complicated by RPE dysfunction. Among 14 eyes of FCE complication group, 7 (22.6%) with choroidal neovascularization, 4 (12.9%) with central serous chorioretinopathy, 1 (3.2%) with polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy, and 2 (6.5%) with RPE detachment. No significant difference was found in the mean age (t=0.87), gender composition (χ2=0.06), ocular laterality (χ2=2.58), and spherical equivalent (t=?0.81) between two groups, respectively (P＞0.05), except that the BCVA was significantly different (t=?2.11, P＜0.05). The SFCT and excavation width of eyes in both groups and the ICGA imaging characteristics of eyes in FCE complication group were analyzed. Risk factors of FCE with RPE complications were analyzed by logistic regression analysis.ResultsThirty-three excavations were identified in 31 eyes with FCE. The mean SFCT was 167.00±85.18 μm in FCE alone group vs. 228.36±67.95 μm in FCE complication group, while the excavation width was 645.00±231.93 μm vs. 901.00±420.55 μm and they were both significantly different (P＜0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed the SFCT (OR=1.016, P=0.026) and excavation width (OR=1.004, P=0.034) were risk factors for RPE complications of FCE. EDI-OCT showed the RPE at the excavation was impaired or vulnerable in all eyes of the FCE alone group, especially at the boundary area of excavation. The RPE damages were located at the boundary area of excavation in 10 eyes (71.4%) of FCE complication group. Constant choroidal hypofluorescence and filling defect were observed under the excavation in 3 eyes with ICGA imaging.ConclusionsSFCT and excavation width may be risk factors for RPE complications of FCE. Impairment of RPE at boundary area of excavation and focal choroidal ischemia or aberrant circulation under the excavation may correlate with the development of FCE complications.
Objective To observe the multimodal imaging features and explore the treatment of parafoveal exudative vascular anomaly complex (PEVAC). Methods A retrospective study. Six patients (6 eyes) with PEVAC diagnosed in Tianjin Eye Hospital were included in this study from July 2018 to December 2021. All patients were female with monocular disease. The age was (61.1±9.3) years. All patients showed a sudden painless decline in monocular vision with metamorphopsia. All patients underwent best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), color fundus photography, fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA), optical coherence tomography (OCT) and OCT angiography (OCTA). Indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) was performed in 4 eyes. In 6 eyes, 3 eyes were treated with intravitreal injection of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor drug; 5 eyes were treated with micropulse laser photocoagulation and/or local thermal laser photocoagulation; 1 eye was treated with photodynamic therapy. Five patients were followed up for (9.2±7.4) months, and 1 patient was lost. At follow-up, the same equipment and methods were used as at the initial diagnosis. The clinical manifestations, multimodal image features and treatment response were observed. Results Baseline BCVA of affected eyes were ranged from 0.1 to 0.5. PEVAC was isolated in 6 eyes, and the fundus showed isolated hemangioma-like leision, accompanied by small bleeding and hard exudation. There were 2 isolated hemangiomatous lesions adjacent to each other in 2 eyes. In the early stage of FFA, punctate high fluorescence lesions near the macular fovea were seen, and the leakage was enhanced in the late stage. There was no leakage in the early stage of ICGA, or slight leakage with late scouring. OCT showed an oval lesion with high reflection wall and uneven low reflection. The central macular thickness (CMT) was (431±76) μm. OCTA showed blood flow signals in PEVAC, 2 eyes in the superficial capillary plexus (SCP), and it was also observed in the deep capillary plexus (DCP), but the intensity of blood flow signal was slightly weaker than that in the SCP. The blood flow signal was visible only in DCP in 2 eyes. SCP and DCP showed similar intensity of blood flow signals in 2 eyes. After treatment, the bleeding was absorbed basically in 4 eyes, the hard exudation partially subsided, the CMT decreased, the intercortical cystic cavity of the fovea nerve decreased, the hemangiomatous lesions narrowed, and BCVA increased. In 1 eye, the macular sac was reduced and partially absorbed by hard exudation, which was later relapsed due to blood pressure fluctuation.ConclusionsThe majority of PEVAC patients had monocular onset. The fundus is characterized by solitary or structure with strong reflex walls, with or without retinal cysts, hard exudates, and subretinal fluid, and visible blood flow signals inside.
Peripheral exudative hemorrhagic chorioretinopathy (PEHCR) is a peripheral retinal disease characterized by subretinal hemorrhage and/or subretinal pigment epithelial hemorrhage or exudation. It is often misdiagnosed as age-related macular degeneration, polypoidal chorioretinopathy or choroidal melanoma. With the development of multimodal imaging, PEHCR has different features under different examinations, such as B-scan ultrasound, fluorescein fundus angiography, optical coherence tomography and so on, which contributes to differention from other diseases. Clinical treatments for the disease include intravitreal injection of retinal photocoagulation therapy, anti-vascular endothelial growth factor, pars plana vitrectomyand so on, but there is still no universal consensus. In order to gain a deeper understanding of the clinical features, treatment options and prognosis of PEHCR, minimize missed diagnoses and misdiagnoses, and improve treatment efficiency, further research is required.
ObjectiveTo observe the clinical and imaging characteristics of acute idiopathic macular degeneration (AIM).MethodsA retrospective clinical study. From March 2016 to January 2018, 5 eyes (5 AIM patients) in The Second People's Hospital of Yunnan Province were included in the study. Among them, there were 4 males (4 eyes) and 1 female (1 eye); all patients were monocular with the average age of 34.2 years. The course of illness from onset of symptoms to treatment was 4-22 days. All affected eyes were examined by BCVA, fundus color photography, OCT, FAF, and FFA. Among 5 eyes, 1 eye with optic disc vasculitis was given oral glucocorticoid treatment; 4 eyes were not interfered after the diagnosis. ResultsThe follow-up time was 6 months. During follow-up, BCVA, fundus color photography, and OCT examination were performed. The results were all a sudden decrease in monocular vision, accompanied by visual distortion or central dark spots. At the first visit, the BCVA was 0.1, 0.2, 0.2, 0.05, and 0.5; at the last follow-up, the BCVA of the affected eye was 0.8, 0.6, 0.5, 0.5, and 1.0, respectively. Fundus color photography showed that at the first diagnosis, all the affected eyes showed irregular round yellow-white lesions in the macular area, including 1 eye with small patches of hemorrhage and 1 eye with pseudopyous changes in the macular area. Two to three weeks after the initial diagnosis, the yellowish-white lesions and bleeding in the macular area were basically absorbed. The center of the lesion showed weak pseudopod-like fluorescence, and the surrounding area was surrounded by strong fluorescence in FAF examination. The irregular and strong fluorescence in the early macular area and accumulation of late fluorescein in FFA examination. One eye was receivied glucocorticoid therapy. The upper layer of the retinal nerve in the macular area was detached, and the inferior space showed focal strong reflective material in 3 eyes in OCT examination. At the first diagnosis, the retinal neuroepithelial layer was detached, the top of the RPE layer was irregular with strong reflective material, and the structure of the ellipsoid zone and the chimera zone was unclear; as the course of the disease prolonged, the outer retinal structure recovered.ConclusionsAIM is characterized by inflammatory exudative changes in the outer layer of the retina in the macular area; FFA is characterized by strong subretinal disc-like fluorescence or multifocal weak fluorescence in the macular area; OCT mainly manifests as neuroepithelial detachment and changes in the outer retina and RPE, The structure can be restored by itself.
Objective
To understand the effect of World Health Organization(WHO) multimodal hand hygiene improvement strategy on hand hygiene compliance among acupuncturists.
Methods
All the acupuncturists in departments (Department of Acupuncture, Department of Encephalopathy, Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology) with acupuncture programs in Xi’an Hospital of TCM were chosen in this study between September 2015 and August 2016. Based on the WHO multimodal hand hygiene improvement strategy, comprehensive measures were regulated among acupuncturists. Hand hygiene compliance and accuracy, and hand hygiene knowledge score were compared before and after the strategy intervention. Then, the effects of key strategies were evaluated.
Results
Overall hand hygiene compliance rate, accuracy and knowledge scores increased from 51.07%, 19.86% and 81.90±2.86 before intervention to 72.34%, 51.70%, and 98.62±2.92 after intervention (P<0.05). Hand hygiene compliance rates also increased in various occasions such as before contacting the patient, after contacting the patient, before acupuncture treatment, and before acupuncture needle manipulation (P<0.05).
Conclusion
Hand hygiene compliance in acupuncturists can be significantly improved by the implementation of WHO multimodal hand hygiene improvement strategy.
ObjectiveTo observe the clinical and multimodel imaging characteristics of paracentral acute middle maculopathy (PAMM).MethodsRetrospective case series study. From January 2014 to August 2018, 12 eyes of 12 patients with PAMM diagnosed in Department of Ophthalmology, Peking University People’s Hospital, were included in this study. There were 9 males and 3 females, with the mean age of 57 years. All patients were referred for sudden impaired vision, with or without paracentral scotoma. The patients underwent BCVA, slit lamp examination, fundus photography, FFA and OCT. Simultaneously, OCT angiography (OCTA) was performed in 10 eyes, visual field was performed in 5 eyes, near infrared fundus photography was performed in 1 eye. Clinical and multimodal imaging findings were reviewed and analyzed.ResultsAmong 12 eyes, there were 5 eyes with BCVA 0.05-≤0.1, 4 eyes with BCVA 0.3-0.5, 3 eyes with BCVA 0.6-1.0. There were 1 eye with central rentinal artery obstruction (CRAO), 7 eyes with branch retinal artery obstruction (BRAO). Among them, BRAO with central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) in 1 eye, with non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy in 1 eye, with diabetic retinopathy in 1 eye; old BRAO in 3 eyes; pure BRAO in 1 eye. There were 4 eyes with pure CRVO, including 3 eyes with ischemic CRVO. All eyes demonstrated hyperreflective lesions at the level of the inner nuclear layer and/or outer plexus layer on OCT. En face OCT highlighted the areas with hyperreflectivity corresponding to these lesions. OCTA demonstrated significant deep capillary dropout, abnormal morphology and enlargement of foveal avascular zone.ConclusionHyperreflective band-like lesions at the level of the inner nuclear layer on OCT and middle retinal perivascular hyperreflectivity on en face scan are characteristic in PAMM.
Hydroxychloroquine is widely used in a variety of autoimmune diseases. However, long-term use of hydroxychloroquine can cause severe retinopathy, which has a complex pathogenic mechanism and diverse clinical manifestations, mainly manifested as photoreceptor and retinal pigment epithelial damage and irreversible vision loss. Identifying damage before retinitis pigment epithelium lesions preserve central vision, so early detection is crucial to slow disease progression and reduce vision loss. The development of multimodal imaging technology and the issuance of the latest treatment guidelines provide a powerful tool for the early screening and treatment of hydroxychloroquine retinopathy. Proficient in the latest guidelines for the treatment of hydroxychloroquine can better guide clinicians to do a good job in disease screening and management, recommend risks, safe dosages and appropriate screening procedures to patients and strengthen the prevention of hydroxychloroquine retinopathy, which will help save the vision of more patients and reduce the waste of medical resources.
