Retinal sublayer defect is independently associated with the severity of hypertensive white matter hyperintensity

Abstract

Purpose: To investigate the association of specific retinal sublayer thicknesses on optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging with brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) markers using the Fazekas scale in hypertensive white matter hyperintensity (WMH) subjects. Methods: Eighty-eight participants (32 healthy controls and 56 hypertensive white matter hyperintensity subjects) underwent retinal imaging using the OCT and MRI. A custom-built algorithm was used to measure the thicknesses of the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) and ganglion cell layer and inner plexiform layer (GCIP). Focal markers for white matter hyperintensities were assessed on MRI and graded using the Fazekas visual rating. Results: Hypertensive WMH showed significantly reduced (p