Diffusion-Structure Coupling in Optic Neuritis : Correlating Optic Nerve Diameter with ADC Metrics on MRI
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.36162/hjr.v11i3.212Keywords:
Diffusion weighted imaging, Optic Neuritis, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), ADCAbstract
Purpose : This study aimed to evaluate the association between DWI-derived apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values and optic nerve diameter in patients with optic neuritis.
Material and methods: This retrospective observational study included 43 adult patients with optic neuritis. MRI examinations were analysed to assess optic nerve diameter across different segments and corresponding ADC values. Correlation between optic nerve diameter and ADC values was evaluated using Pearson correlation analysis.
Results: A significant correlation was observed between optic nerve diameter and ADC values, with strong statistical significance in the intraorbital and intracranial segments (p < 0.001) and a weaker but significant correlation in the intracanalicular segment (p = 0.046). These findings suggest a relationship between structural changes and diffusion alterations in optic neuritis.
Conclusion: Optic nerve diameter is significantly associated with ADC values in optic neuritis, indicating a potential link between structural and diffusion-based imaging parameters. These findings support the role of DWI as a complementary tool for assessing optic neuritis, although it should be interpreted in conjunction with clinical and laboratory evaluation.
