Evaluating blood flow in rare eye diseases using advanced imaging

Evaluation of the Utility of OCT Angiography in Assessing Vascular Perfusion in Rare Retinal and Choroidal Diseases

This study is trying to see how blood flow in the eye is different in people with rare eye diseases compared to healthy individuals using a new imaging technique.

Quick facts

• Study type: Observational
• Enrollment: 150 (estimated)
• Ages: 7 Years to 100 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: Oregon Health and Science University (other)
• Locations: 1 site (Portland, Oregon)
• Trial ID: NCT02141308 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to assess blood flow in the retina and choroid using Doppler optical coherence tomography (OCT) and OCT angiography. By comparing blood flow in patients with rare retinal and choroidal diseases to healthy eyes, the study seeks to identify correlations between altered blood flow and areas of damage detected through conventional testing. The use of non-invasive OCT technology allows for real-time imaging and quantitative measurements, potentially offering a safer alternative to traditional fluorescein angiography. The findings could enhance understanding of disease etiology and inform treatment responses.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals diagnosed with retinal or choroidal diseases.

Not a fit: Patients with significant renal disease or unstable medical conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a safer and more effective diagnostic tool for evaluating retinal vascular diseases.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using OCT for retinal imaging, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Subject-Level Criteria:

Inclusion a. Diagnosis of retinal or choroidal disease

Exclusion

1. Inability to give informed consent.
2. Inability to complete study tests within a 30 day period
3. Significant renal disease, defined as a history of chornic renal failure requiring dialysis or kidney transplant.
4. A condition that, in the opinion of the investigator, would preclude participation in the study (e.g. unstable medical status including blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, and glycemic control).
5. Blood pressure \> 180/110 (systolic above 180 OR diastolic above 110). If blood pressure is brought below 180/110 by anti-hypertensive treatment, subject can become eligible.
6. Women of child-bearing potential: pregnant or lactating or intending to become pregnant within the next 12 months due to unknown safety of fluorescein angiography.

Study-Eye Criteria:

Inclusion

a. Diagnosis of retinal or choroidal disease

Exclusion

1. Inability to maintain stable fixation for OCT imaging.
2. An ocular condition is present that, in the opinion of the investigator, might affect or alter visual acuity during the course of the study (i.e. cataract)
3. Substantial cataract that, in the opinion of the investigator, is likely to decrease visual acuity by 3 lines or more (i.e. cataract would be reducing acuity to 20/40 or worse if the eye was otherwise normal).
4. Media opacity or otherwise that would prevent either fixation or ability to obtain adequate images as determined by the examiner.

Where this trial is running

Portland, Oregon

• Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University — Portland, Oregon, United States (RECRUITING)

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Thomas Hwang, MD — Oregon Health & Science Univeristy
• Study coordinator: Kevin Lathrop

Conditions: Retinal Artery Occlusions, Polypoidal Choroidal Vasculopathy, Retinal Arterial Macroaneurysm, Juxtafoveal Telangiecasia, Central Serous Chorioretinopathy, Retina, Optical coherence tomography, Imaging