Ocular fundus reference images from optical coherence tomography

• Published in: Computerized medical imaging and graphics 2014-07, Vol.38 (5), p.381-389
• Main Authors: Guimarães, Pedro, Rodrigues, Pedro, Lobo, Conceição, Leal, Sérgio, Figueira, João, Serranho, Pedro, Bernardes, Rui
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Algorithms; Biological and medical sciences; Diagnostic Techniques, Ophthalmological; Exact sciences and technology; Fundus images; Fundus Oculi; Humans; Imaging, Three-Dimensional; Instruments, apparatus, components and techniques common to several branches of physics and astronomy; Interferometers; Internal Medicine; Investigative techniques of ocular function and vision; Investigative techniques, diagnostic techniques (general aspects); Mathematical Computing; Medical sciences; Ocular fundus; Ophthalmology; Optical coherence tomography; Optical instruments, equipment and techniques; Other; Pathology. Cytology. Biochemistry. Spectrometry. Miscellaneous investigative techniques; Physics; Retina; Retina - anatomy & histology; Retinal Vessels - anatomy & histology; Tomography, Optical Coherence - methods; Vascular network
• ISSN: 0895-6111; 1879-0771
• DOI: 10.1016/j.compmedimag.2014.02.003

Abstract Two-dimensional images computed from three-dimensional optical coherence tomography (OCT) data are intrinsically aligned with it, allowing to accurately position a retinal OCT scan within the ocular fundus. In this work, we aim to compute an OCT fundus reference image with improved retinal vasculature extension and contrast over traditional approaches. Based on the shadow casted by hemoglobin on the outer layers of the retina, we compute three independent images from the OCT volumetric data (including the traditional fundus reference image). Combining these images, a fourth one is created that is able to outperform the other three, both quantitatively and qualitatively (as evaluated by retina specialists). The vascular network extension provided by this method was also compared with widely used fundus imaging modalities, showing that it is similar to that achieved with color fundus photography. In this way, the proposed method is an important starting point to the segmentation of the vascular tree and provides users with a detailed fundus reference image.