Surface-Based Analyses of Anatomical Properties of the Visual Cortex in Macular Degeneration

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0146684
• Publication Date: 2016-01-20T15:28:24Z
• Authors: Doety Prins; Tina Plank; Heidi A. Baseler; André D. Gouws; Anton Beer; Antony B. Morland; Mark W. Greenlee; Frans W. Cornelissen
• Keywords: Grey matter; Retinotopy; Voxel-based morphometry

Introduction Macular degeneration (MD) can cause a central visual field defect. In previous study, we found volumetric reductions along the entire pathways of MD patients, possibly indicating inactive neuronal tissue. This may have important implications. particular, new therapeutic strategies to restore retinal function rely on intact and cortex reestablish function. Here reanalyze data our study using surface-based morphometry (SBM) rather than voxel-based (VBM). help determine robustness findings will lead better understanding nature neuroanatomical changes associated with MD. Methods The metrics interest were acquired by performing SBM analysis T1-weighted MRI from 113 subjects: patients juvenile (JMD; n = 34), age-related (AMD; 24) healthy age-matched controls (HC; 55). Results Relative controls, JMD showed thinner cortex, smaller cortical surface area lower grey matter volume in V1 V2, while AMD thinning V2. Neither patient group significant difference mean curvature cortex. Discussion are consistent results showing reduction their Finding comparable two different techniques suggests presence marked patients. V2 but not V1. contrast VBM analysis, revealed no that relatively subtle, as they apparently be missed one methods.