MRI of the optic nerve sheath and globe in cats with and without presumed intracranial hypertension

Abstract

Objectives: The study aimed to: (1) test MRI repeatability of measurements of optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD), optic nerve diameter (OND) and eye globe transverse diameter (ETD); (2) investigate the associations between the OND, ONSD and ETD; (3) assess whether these measurements are affected by age or body weight; and (4) test the association between ONSD, OND, ETD and ONSD:ETD ratio with presumed intracranial pressure (ICP) status. Methods: This was a retrospective and blinded study where patients were allocated to presumed normal or intracranial hypertension groups based on MRI findings. The ONSD and ETD were measured and recorded. Interclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was calculated to investigate interobserver agreement. Data were analysed using the Pearson correlation coefficient, two-sample t-test and general linear model ANOVA. Results: Seventy-seven cats were included, 62 with presumed normal ICP and 15 with presumed intracranial hypertension. The ICC showed moderate-to-good reliability for all measurements. Positive correlations were identified for: (1) ETD and weight; (2) ONSD and age; (3) OND and age; (4) ONSD and ETD; (5) ONSD:ETD ratio and presumed ICP status; and (6) ONSD and presumed ICP status. No difference was detected between the presumed normal and intracranial hypertension groups and ONSD, as well as ONSD:ETD ratio and presumed ICP status when patient age was considered. Conclusions and relevance: The measurement of the ONSD and the ONSD:ETD ratio on T2-weighted MRI might not be reliable as non-invasive tests for diagnosing intracranial hypertension in cats.