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Md Isa NA, Tummanapalli SS, Chiang JCB, Krishnan AV, Zagami AS, Papas EB, Markoulli M, Spira K. Neuropathic changes in corneal nerve endings-A potential objective biomarker for migraine frequency and response to treatment. Headache 2023; 63:1327-1329. [PMID: 37740579 DOI: 10.1111/head.14630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2023] [Revised: 08/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Nur Amalina Md Isa
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Shyam S Tummanapalli
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jeremy Chung Bo Chiang
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Optometry, College of Health and Life Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham, UK
| | - Arun V Krishnan
- Institute of Neurological Science, Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Alessandro S Zagami
- Institute of Neurological Science, Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Eric B Papas
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Maria Markoulli
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Katherine Spira
- Institute of Neurological Science, Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Thimm A, Brakemeier S, Dag M, Munoz Rosales J, Stolte B, Kleinschnitz C, Stettner M, Hagenacker T. Corneal confocal microscopy reveals small nerve fibre loss correlating with motor function in adult spinal muscular atrophy. Eur J Neurol 2023; 30:2821-2827. [PMID: 37159488 DOI: 10.1111/ene.15852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND 5q Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a progressive, inherited, and severely disabling - yet treatable - motor neuron disease. Although treatment options have evolved in recent years, biomarkers for treatment monitoring and prognosis prediction remain elusive. Here, we investigated the utility of corneal confocal microscopy (CCM), a non-invasive imaging technique to quantify small corneal nerve fibres in vivo, as a diagnostic tool in adult SMA. METHODS In this cross-sectional study, 19 patients with SMA type 3 and 19 healthy controls underwent CCM to measure corneal nerve fibre density (CNFD), corneal nerve fibre length (CNFL), and corneal nerve branch density (CNBD), as well as corneal immune cell infiltration. Hammersmith Functional Motor Scale Expanded (HFMSE) and Revised Upper Limb Module (RULM) scores and a 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) were conducted to explore any correlation between CCM findings and motor function. RESULTS Corneal nerve fibre parameters were decreased in SMA patients versus healthy controls (CNFD: p = 0.030; CNFL: p = 0.013; CNBD: p = 0.020) in the absence of relevant immune cell infiltration. CNFD and CNFL correlated with HFMSE scores (CNFD: r = 0.492, p = 0.038; CNFL: r = 0.484, p = 0.042) and distance covered in the 6MWT (CNFD: r = 0.502, p = 0.042; CNFL: r = 0.553, p = 0.023). CONCLUSIONS Corneal confocal microscopy CCM reveals sensory neurodegeneration in SMA, thereby supporting a multisystem view of the disorder. Subclinical small nerve fibre damage correlated with motor function. Thus, CCM may be ideally suited for treatment monitoring and prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Thimm
- Department of Neurology and Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS), University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Svenja Brakemeier
- Department of Neurology and Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS), University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Merve Dag
- Department of Neurology and Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS), University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Juan Munoz Rosales
- Department of Neurology and Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS), University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Benjamin Stolte
- Department of Neurology and Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS), University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Christoph Kleinschnitz
- Department of Neurology and Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS), University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Mark Stettner
- Department of Neurology and Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS), University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Tim Hagenacker
- Department of Neurology and Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS), University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
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Chiang JCB, Roy M, Kim J, Markoulli M, Krishnan AV. In-vivo corneal confocal microscopy: Imaging analysis, biological insights and future directions. Commun Biol 2023; 6:652. [PMID: 37336941 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-05005-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023] Open
Abstract
In-vivo corneal confocal microscopy is a powerful imaging technique which provides clinicians and researcher with the capabilities to observe microstructures at the ocular surfaces in significant detail. In this Mini Review, the optics and image analysis methods with the use of corneal confocal microscopy are discussed. While novel insights of neuroanatomy and biology of the eyes, particularly the ocular surface, have been provided by corneal confocal microscopy, some debatable elements observed using this technique remain and these are explored in this Mini Review. Potential improvements in imaging methodology and instrumentation are also suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy Chung Bo Chiang
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- School of Optometry, College of Health and Life Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham, NSW, UK
| | - Maitreyee Roy
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Juno Kim
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Maria Markoulli
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Arun V Krishnan
- School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
- Department of Neurology, Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
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Thimm A, Carpinteiro A, Oubari S, Papathanasiou M, Kessler L, Rischpler C, Malik RA, Herrmann K, Reinhardt HC, Rassaf T, Kleinschnitz C, Hagenacker T, Stettner M. Corneal confocal microscopy identifies corneal nerve loss and increased Langerhans cells in presymptomatic carriers and patients with hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis. J Neurol 2023:10.1007/s00415-023-11689-z. [PMID: 37014422 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-023-11689-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTRv amyloidosis) is a rare, but life-threatening protein misfolding disorder due to TTR gene mutations. Cardiomyopathy (ATTRv-CM) and polyneuropathy (ATTRv-PN) with early small nerve fibre involvement are the most common manifestations. Timely diagnosis and treatment initiation are key to limiting progression of disease. Corneal confocal microscopy (CCM) is a non-invasive method to quantify corneal small nerve fibres and immune cell infiltrates in vivo. METHODS This cross-sectional study investigated the utility of CCM in 20 patients with ATTRv amyloidosis (ATTRv-CM, n = 6; ATTRv-PN, n = 14) and presymptomatic carriers (n = 5) compared to 20 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Corneal nerve fibre density, corneal nerve fibre length, corneal nerve branch density, and cell infiltrates were assessed. RESULTS Corneal nerve fibre density and nerve fibre length were significantly lower in patients with ATTRv amyloidosis compared to healthy controls regardless of the clinical phenotype (ATTRv-CM, ATTRv-PN) and corneal nerve fibre density was significantly lower in presymptomatic carriers. Immune cell infiltrates were only evident in patients with ATTRv amyloidosis, which correlated with reduced corneal nerve fibre density. CONCLUSIONS CCM identifies small nerve fibre damage in presymptomatic carriers and symptomatic patients with ATTRv amyloidosis and may serve as a predictive surrogate marker to identify individuals at risk of developing symptomatic amyloidosis. Furthermore, increased corneal cell infiltration suggests an immune-mediated mechanism in the pathogenesis of amyloid neuropathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Thimm
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Essen, Hufelandstrasse 55, 45147, Essen, Germany.
- Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Scienes (C-TNBS), University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany.
| | - Alexander Carpinteiro
- Department of Hematology and Stem Cell Transplantation, West German Cancer Center, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
- Institute of Molecular Biology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Sara Oubari
- Department of Hematology and Stem Cell Transplantation, West German Cancer Center, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Maria Papathanasiou
- Department of Cardiology and Vascular Medicine, West German Heart and Vascular Center, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Lukas Kessler
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | | | - Rayaz Ahmed Malik
- Institute of Cardiovascular Science, Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Education City, Doha, Qatar
| | - Ken Herrmann
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Hans Christian Reinhardt
- Department of Hematology and Stem Cell Transplantation, West German Cancer Center, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Tienush Rassaf
- Department of Cardiology and Vascular Medicine, West German Heart and Vascular Center, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Christoph Kleinschnitz
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Essen, Hufelandstrasse 55, 45147, Essen, Germany
- Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Scienes (C-TNBS), University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Tim Hagenacker
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Essen, Hufelandstrasse 55, 45147, Essen, Germany
- Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Scienes (C-TNBS), University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Mark Stettner
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Essen, Hufelandstrasse 55, 45147, Essen, Germany
- Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Scienes (C-TNBS), University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
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Roszkowska AM, Wylęgała A, Gargiulo L, Inferrera L, Russo M, Mencucci R, Orzechowska-Wylęgała B, Aragona E, Mancini M, Quartarone A. Corneal Sub-Basal Nerve Plexus in Non-Diabetic Small Fiber Polyneuropathies and the Diagnostic Role of In Vivo Corneal Confocal Microscopy. J Clin Med 2023; 12. [PMID: 36675593 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12020664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2022] [Revised: 12/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
In vivo corneal confocal microscopy (IVCM) allows the immediate analysis of the corneal nerve quantity and morphology. This method became, an indispensable tool for the tropism examination, as it evaluates the small fiber plexus in the cornea. The IVCM provides us with direct information on the health of the sub-basal nerve plexus and indirectly on the peripheral nerve status. It is an important tool used to investigate peripheral polyneuropathies. Small-fiber neuropathy (SFN) is a group of neurological disorders characterized by neuropathic pain symptoms and autonomic complaints due to the selective involvement of thinly myelinated Aδ-fibers and unmyelinated C-fibers. Accurate diagnosis of SFN is important as it provides a basis for etiological work-up and treatment decisions. The diagnosis of SFN is sometimes challenging as the clinical picture can be difficult to interpret and standard electromyography is normal. In cases of suspected SFN, measurement of intraepidermal nerve fiber density through a skin biopsy and/or analysis of quantitative sensory testing can enable diagnosis. The purpose of the present review is to summarize the current knowledge about corneal nerves in different SFN. Specifically, we explore the correlation between nerve density and morphology and type of SFN, disease duration, and follow-up. We will discuss the relationship between cataracts and refractive surgery and iatrogenic dry eye disease. Furthermore, these new paradigms in SFN present an opportunity for neurologists and clinical specialists in the diagnosis and monitoring the peripheral small fiber polyneuropathies.
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Asiedu K, Markoulli M, Tummanapalli SS, Chiang JCB, Alotaibi S, Wang LL, Dhanapalaratnam R, Kwai N, Poynten A, Krishnan AV. Impact of Chronic Kidney Disease on Corneal Neuroimmune Features in Type 2 Diabetes. J Clin Med 2022; 12. [PMID: 36614815 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12010016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: To determine the impact of chronic kidney disease on corneal nerve measures and dendritic cell counts in type 2 diabetes. Methods: In vivo corneal confocal microscopy images were used to estimate corneal nerve parameters and compared in people with type 2 diabetes with chronic kidney disease (T2DM-CKD) (n = 29) and those with type 2 diabetes without chronic kidney disease (T2DM-no CKD) (n = 29), along with 30 healthy controls. Corneal dendritic cell densities were compared between people with T2DM-CKD and those with T2DM-no CKD. The groups were matched for neuropathy status. Results: There was a significant difference in corneal nerve fiber density (p < 0.01) and corneal nerve fiber length (p = 0.04) between T2DM-CKD and T2DM-no CKD groups. The two diabetes groups had reduced corneal nerve parameters compared to healthy controls (all parameters: p < 0.01). Immature central dendritic cell density was significantly higher in the T2DM-CKD group compared to the T2DM-no CKD group ((7.0 (3.8−12.8) and 3.5 (1.4−13.4) cells/mm2, respectively, p < 0.05). Likewise, central mature dendritic cell density was significantly higher in the T2DM-CKD group compared to the T2DM-no CKD group (0.8 (0.4−2.2) and 0.4 (0.6−1.1) cells/mm2, respectively, p = 0.02). Additionally, total central dendritic cell density was increased in the T2DM-CKD group compared to T2DM-no CKD group (10.4 (4.3−16.1) and 3.9 (2.1−21.0) cells/mm2, respectively, p = 0.03). Conclusion: The study showed that central corneal dendritic cell density is increased in T2DM-CKD compared to T2DM-no CKD, with groups matched for peripheral neuropathy severity. This is accompanied by a loss of central corneal nerve fibers. The findings raise the possibility of additional local factors exacerbating central corneal nerve injury in people with diabetic chronic kidney disease.
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刘 小, 段 晓, 张 朔, 孙 阿, 张 英, 樊 东. [Genetic distribution in Chinese patients with hereditary peripheral neuropathy]. Beijing Da Xue Xue Bao Yi Xue Ban 2022; 54:874-883. [PMID: 36241230 PMCID: PMC9568373 DOI: 10.19723/j.issn.1671-167x.2022.05.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To analyze the distribution characteristics of hereditary peripheral neuropathy (HPN) pathogenic genes in Chinese Han population, and to explore the potential pathogenesis and treatment prospects of HPN and related diseases. METHODS Six hundred and fifty-six index patients with HPN were enrolled in Peking University Third Hospital and China-Japan Friendship Hospital from January 2007 to May 2022. The PMP22 duplication and deletion mutations were screened and validated by multiplex ligation probe amplification technique. The next-generation sequencing gene panel or whole exome sequencing was used, and the suspected genes were validated by Sanger sequencing. RESULTS Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) accounted for 74.3% (495/666) of the patients with HPN, of whom 69.1% (342/495) were genetically confirmed. The most common genes of CMT were PMP22 duplication, MFN2 and GJB1 mutations, which accounted for 71.3% (244/342) of the patients with genetically confirmed CMT. Hereditary motor neuropathy (HMN) accounted for 16.1% (107/666) of HPN, and 43% (46/107) of HPN was genetically confirmed. The most common genes of HMN were HSPB1, aminoacyl tRNA synthetases and SORD mutations, which accounted for 56.5% (26/46) of the patients with genetically confirmed HMN. Most genes associated with HMN could cause different phenotypes. HMN and CMT shared many genes (e.g. HSPB1, GARS, IGHMBP2). Some genes associated with dHMN-plus shared genes associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (KIF5A, FIG4, DCTN1, SETX, VRK1), hereditary spastic paraplegia (KIF5A, ZFYVE26, BSCL2) and spinal muscular atrophy (MORC2, IGHMBP, DNAJB2), suggesting that HMN was a continuum rather than a distinct entity. Hereditary sensor and autosomal neuropathy (HSAN) accounted for a small proportion of 2.6% (17/666) in HPN. The most common pathogenic gene was SPTLC1 mutation. TTR was the main gene causing hereditary amyloid peripheral neuropathy. The most common types of gene mutations were p.A117S and p.V50M. The symptoms were characterized by late-onset and prominent autonomic nerve involvement. CONCLUSION CMT and HMN are the most common diseases of HPN. There is a large overlap between HMN and motor-CMT2 pathogenic genes, and some HMN pathogenic genes overlap with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, hereditary spastic hemiplegia and spinal muscular atrophy, suggesting that there may be a potential common pathogenic pathway between different diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- 小璇 刘
- 北京大学第三医院神经内科,北京 100191Department of Neurology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
| | - 晓慧 段
- 中日友好医院神经内科,北京 100029Department of Neurology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing 100029, China
| | - 朔 张
- 北京大学第三医院神经内科,北京 100191Department of Neurology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
| | - 阿萍 孙
- 北京大学第三医院神经内科,北京 100191Department of Neurology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
| | - 英爽 张
- 北京大学第三医院神经内科,北京 100191Department of Neurology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
| | - 东升 樊
- 北京大学第三医院神经内科,北京 100191Department of Neurology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
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Chiang JCB, Khou V, Tavakoli A, Park SB, Goldstein D, Krishnan AV, Markoulli M. Reproducibility and Reliability of Subbasal Corneal Nerve Parameters of the Inferior Whorl in the Neurotoxic and Healthy Cornea. Cornea 2022; 41:1487-1494. [PMID: 36155558 DOI: 10.1097/ico.0000000000002947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this study was to investigate the reliability of subbasal corneal nerve plexus parameters of the inferior whorl compared with the central cornea with in vivo corneal confocal microscopy and to investigate the impact of inferior whorl pattern complexity on reproducibility. METHODS Subbasal corneal nerves of healthy controls (n = 10) and patients with chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (n = 10) were imaged with a laser scanning confocal microscope. Two masked, experienced observers and the original image taker were tasked with selecting representative images of the central cornea and inferior whorl for each participant. This was conducted on 2 occasions 1 week apart. Corneal nerve fiber length (CNFL) and fractal dimension (CNFrD) [central cornea: CNFL and CNFrD; inferior whorl region: inferior whorl length (IWL) and inferior whorl fractal dimension (IWFrD)] were analyzed. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was analyzed for interobserver and intraobserver reliability. Inferior whorl complexity was classified according to the ease of identification of the center point of convergence. RESULTS Interobserver ICC was 0.992 for CNFL, 0.994 for CNFrD, 0.980 for IWL, and 0.954 for IWFrD. When analyzed by inferior whorl complexity, the interobserver reliability was similar for simple (0.987 for IWL; 0.960 for IWFrD) and complex patterns (0.967 for IWL; 0.949 for IWFrD). However, intraobserver ICC were reduced for complex (IWL 0.841-0.970; IWFrD 0.830-0.955) compared with simple patterns (IWL 0.931-0.970; IWFrD 0.921-0.969). CONCLUSIONS Although the overall interobserver reliability was excellent for the central corneal and inferior whorl parameters, there was lower intraobserver reliability for the inferior whorl parameters for complex morphological patterns. To improve reliability, more sophisticated wide-field imaging of the inferior whorl may be needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy Chung Bo Chiang
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Vincent Khou
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.,Centre for Eye Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Azadeh Tavakoli
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Susanna B Park
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - David Goldstein
- Prince of Wales Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia; and.,Department of Medical Oncology, Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - Arun V Krishnan
- Prince of Wales Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia; and
| | - Maria Markoulli
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
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Thimm A, Carpinteiro A, Oubari S, Papathanasiou M, Kessler L, Rischpler C, Malik RA, Reinhardt HC, Rassaf T, Herrmann K, Kleinschnitz C, Stettner M, Hagenacker T. Corneal confocal microscopy to detect early immune-mediated small nerve fibre loss in AL amyloidosis. Ann Clin Transl Neurol 2022; 9:853-863. [PMID: 35488792 PMCID: PMC9186132 DOI: 10.1002/acn3.51565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Light chain (AL) amyloidosis is a life‐threatening disorder characterised by extracellular deposition of amyloid leading to dysfunction of multiple organs. Peripheral nerve involvement, particularly small fibre neuropathy, may be associated with poorer survival. Corneal confocal microscopy (CCM) is a rapid and non‐invasive imaging technique to quantify corneal small nerve fibres and immune cells in vivo. We aimed to evaluate CCM as a tool for early diagnosis of peripheral nerve involvement in AL amyloidosis. Methods CCM and nerve conduction studies (NCS) were undertaken in 21 newly diagnosed, treatment‐naïve AL amyloidosis patients and 21 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy controls. Corneal nerve fibre density (CNFD), corneal nerve branch density and fibre length, and cell infiltrates were quantified in the sub‐basal layer of the cornea. Results There was a significant reduction in CNFD and nerve fibre length, even without large fibre affection and an increase in cell density, particularly around corneal nerve fibres in patients with AL amyloidosis compared to controls. Additionally, cell infiltration correlated with reduced nerve fibre density in patients with AL amyloidosis, but reduced CNFD did not correlate with laboratory parameters of organ dysfunction. Interpretation Our study is the first to show that CCM allows rapid non‐invasive identification of early small nerve fibre damage associated with immune cell infiltration in patients with AL amyloidosis. CCM detects peripheral nerve involvement more sensitively than NCS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Thimm
- Department of Neurology and Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS), University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Alexander Carpinteiro
- Department of Hematology and Stem Cell Transplantation, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany.,Institute of Molecular Biology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Sara Oubari
- Department of Hematology and Stem Cell Transplantation, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Maria Papathanasiou
- Department of Cardiology and Vascular Medicine, West German Heart and Vascular Center, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Lukas Kessler
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | | | - Rayaz Ahmed Malik
- Institute of Cardiovascular Science, Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.,Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Education City, Doha, Qatar
| | - Hans Christian Reinhardt
- Department of Hematology and Stem Cell Transplantation, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Tienush Rassaf
- Department of Cardiology and Vascular Medicine, West German Heart and Vascular Center, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Ken Herrmann
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Christoph Kleinschnitz
- Department of Neurology and Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS), University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Mark Stettner
- Department of Neurology and Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS), University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Tim Hagenacker
- Department of Neurology and Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS), University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
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Petropoulos IN, Bitirgen G, Ferdousi M, Kalteniece A, Azmi S, D'Onofrio L, Lim SH, Ponirakis G, Khan A, Gad H, Mohammed I, Mohammadi YE, Malik A, Gosal D, Kobylecki C, Silverdale M, Soran H, Alam U, Malik RA. Corneal Confocal Microscopy to Image Small Nerve Fiber Degeneration: Ophthalmology Meets Neurology. Front Pain Res (Lausanne) 2022; 2:725363. [PMID: 35295436 PMCID: PMC8915697 DOI: 10.3389/fpain.2021.725363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuropathic pain has multiple etiologies, but a major feature is small fiber dysfunction or damage. Corneal confocal microscopy (CCM) is a rapid non-invasive ophthalmic imaging technique that can image small nerve fibers in the cornea and has been utilized to show small nerve fiber loss in patients with diabetic and other neuropathies. CCM has comparable diagnostic utility to intraepidermal nerve fiber density for diabetic neuropathy, fibromyalgia and amyloid neuropathy and predicts the development of diabetic neuropathy. Moreover, in clinical intervention trials of patients with diabetic and sarcoid neuropathy, corneal nerve regeneration occurs early and precedes an improvement in symptoms and neurophysiology. Corneal nerve fiber loss also occurs and is associated with disease progression in multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease and dementia. We conclude that corneal confocal microscopy has good diagnostic and prognostic capability and fulfills the FDA criteria as a surrogate end point for clinical trials in peripheral and central neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gulfidan Bitirgen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Meram Faculty of Medicine, Necmettin Erbakan University, Konya, Turkey
| | - Maryam Ferdousi
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Cardiovascular Trials Unit, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Alise Kalteniece
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Cardiovascular Trials Unit, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Shazli Azmi
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Cardiovascular Trials Unit, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom.,Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Luca D'Onofrio
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Sze Hway Lim
- Department of Neurology, Salford Royal National Health System (NHS) Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | | | - Adnan Khan
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Doha, Qatar
| | - Hoda Gad
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Doha, Qatar
| | - Ibrahim Mohammed
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Doha, Qatar
| | | | - Ayesha Malik
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Doha, Qatar
| | - David Gosal
- Department of Neurology, Salford Royal National Health System (NHS) Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Christopher Kobylecki
- Department of Neurology, Salford Royal National Health System (NHS) Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Monty Silverdale
- Department of Neurology, Salford Royal National Health System (NHS) Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Handrean Soran
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Cardiovascular Trials Unit, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Uazman Alam
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, Clinical Sciences Centre, Pain Research Institute, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool University Hospital National Health System (NHS) Foundation Trust, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Rayaz A Malik
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Doha, Qatar.,Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Cardiovascular Trials Unit, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
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11
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Hao R, Liu Z, Chou Y, Huang C, Jing D, Wang H, Gao S, Li X. Analysis of Globular Cells in Corneal Nerve Vortex. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:806689. [PMID: 35273973 PMCID: PMC8901892 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.806689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Less was known about globular cells which were a type of dendritic cells (DCs) in cornea. We aimed to investigate the morphological and distribution characteristics of globular cells in corneal vortex and their clinical correlations with ocular surface. Methods Case records of patients who underwent in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM) were evaluated retrospectively. The morphology and distribution features of globular cells in cornea nerve vortex and their co-existence status with Langerhans cells (LCs) were analyzed. Data of ocular surface symptoms and signs were collected and their correlations with globular cells distribution patterns and dendritic forms were performed. Dry eye patients without LCs were treated with preservative-free artificial tears, while patients with LCs were treated with artificial tears and fluoromethalone until the activated LCs disappeared. Results A total of 836 eyes from 451 individuals were included. Three distribution patterns of globular cells in vortex were investigated, type 1 scattered globular cells (57.66%), type 2 large amounts of globular cells (≥50 cells) gathering in vortex and along some fixed vortex direction horizontally (13.52%) and type 3 no globular cells (28.83%). Their location and cell count altered slightly in the follow-ups but would not disappear. LCs could co-exist with globular cells and could fade after treatment. The type 2 distribution pattern was associated with older age (p = 0.000) and higher upper eyelid Meiboscore (p = 0.006). Dendritic globular cells had higher Meiboscore than Non-dendritic forms. Conclusions Globular cells had characteristic distribution patterns and biological features different from LCs. They were associated with long-term irritation of the meibomian gland dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ran Hao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Restoration of Damaged Ocular Nerve, Department of Ophthalmology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Ziyuan Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Restoration of Damaged Ocular Nerve, Department of Ophthalmology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yilin Chou
- Department of Ophthalmology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Restoration of Damaged Ocular Nerve, Department of Ophthalmology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Chen Huang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Restoration of Damaged Ocular Nerve, Department of Ophthalmology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Dalan Jing
- Department of Ophthalmology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Restoration of Damaged Ocular Nerve, Department of Ophthalmology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Haikun Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Restoration of Damaged Ocular Nerve, Department of Ophthalmology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Shuang Gao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Restoration of Damaged Ocular Nerve, Department of Ophthalmology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xuemin Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Restoration of Damaged Ocular Nerve, Department of Ophthalmology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
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12
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Malik RA, Efron N. Corneal Confocal Microscopy and the Nervous System: Introduction to the Special Issue. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11061475. [PMID: 35329801 PMCID: PMC8953792 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11061475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/07/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Rayaz A. Malik
- Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Research Division, Qatar Foundation, Education City, Doha 24144, Qatar;
| | - Nathan Efron
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, QLD 4059, Australia
- Correspondence:
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13
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Fu J, He J, Zhang Y, Liu Z, Wang H, Li J, Chen L, Fan D. Small fiber neuropathy for assessment of disease severity in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: corneal confocal microscopy findings. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2022; 17:7. [PMID: 34991673 PMCID: PMC8734326 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-021-02157-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disorder with progressive motor system impairment, and recent evidence has identified the extra-motor involvement. Small fiber neuropathy reflecting by sensory and autonomic disturbances in ALS has been reported to accompany the motor damage. However, non-invasive assessment of this impairment and its application in disease evaluation of ALS is scarce. We aim to evaluate the use of corneal confocal microscopy (CCM) to non-invasively quantify the corneal small fiber neuropathy in ALS and explore its clinical value in assessing disease severity of ALS. METHODS Sixty-six patients with ALS and 64 healthy controls were included in this cross-sectional study. Participants underwent detailed clinical assessments and corneal imaging with in vivo CCM. Using ImageJ, the following parameters were quantified: corneal nerve length (IWL) and dendritic cell density (IWDC) in the inferior whorl region and corneal nerve fiber length (CNFL), nerve fiber density (CNFD), nerve branch density (CNBD), and dendritic cell density (CDC) in the peripheral region. Disease severity was evaluated using recognized scales. RESULTS Corneal nerve lengths (IWL and CNFL) were lower while dendritic cell densities (IWDC and CDC) were higher in patients with ALS than controls in peripheral and inferior whorl regions (p < 0.05). Additionally, corneal nerve complexity in the peripheral region was greater in patients than controls with higher CNBD (p = 0.040) and lower CNFD (p = 0.011). IWL was significantly associated with disease severity (p < 0.001) and progression (p = 0.002) in patients with ALS. Patients with bulbar involvement showed significantly lower IWL (p = 0.014) and higher IWDC (p = 0.043) than patients without bulbar involvement. CONCLUSIONS CCM quantified significant corneal neuropathy in ALS, and alterations in the inferior whorl region were closely associated with disease severity. CCM could serve as a noninvasive, objective imaging tool to detect corneal small fiber neuropathy for clinical evaluation in ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayu Fu
- Department of Neurology, Peking University Third Hospital, 49 North Garden Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191, China.,Beijing Municipal Key Laboratory of Biomarker and Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Ji He
- Department of Neurology, Peking University Third Hospital, 49 North Garden Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191, China.,Beijing Municipal Key Laboratory of Biomarker and Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Yixuan Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Peking University Third Hospital, 49 North Garden Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191, China.,Beijing Municipal Key Laboratory of Biomarker and Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Ziyuan Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Haikun Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jiameng Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Lu Chen
- Department of Neurology, Peking University Third Hospital, 49 North Garden Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191, China.,Beijing Municipal Key Laboratory of Biomarker and Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Dongsheng Fan
- Department of Neurology, Peking University Third Hospital, 49 North Garden Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191, China. .,Beijing Municipal Key Laboratory of Biomarker and Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, Beijing, China.
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14
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Bekircan-Kurt CE, Yilmaz E, Arslan D, Yildiz FG, Dikmetas Ö, Ergul-Ulger Z, Kocabeyoglu S, Irkec M, Hekimsoy V, Tokgozoglu L, Tan E, Erdem-Ozdamar S. The functional and structural evaluation of small fibers in asymptomatic carriers of p.Val50Met (Val30Met) mutation. Neuromuscul Disord 2021; 32:50-56. [PMID: 34980537 DOI: 10.1016/j.nmd.2021.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Revised: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Therapeutic advances in hereditary amyloid transthyretin (ATTRv) amyloidosis with polyneuropathy extended life expectancy and delayed symptom progression especially in patients with early disease. Thus, detection and monitoring of asymptomatic carriers gained importance. However, there is still limited consensus on genetic screening of ATTRv-PN patients' family members and diagnostic tests that must be done in the follow-up. In this study, we followed prospectively five asymptomatic carriers of a family with ATTRV30M (p.Val50Met) mutation by different diagnostic tests for three years. The carriers were followed by neurological examination, nerve conduction studies, sympathetic skin response test, heart rate variability, SFN-SIQ and DN4 questionnaires, quantitative sensory testing (QST), skin biopsy and in vivo corneal confocal microscopy. Nerve conduction studies, sympathetic skin response test and heart rate variability were normal in all for three years. Baseline QST and SFN-SIQ were normal but became abnormal during follow-up of two individuals who developed small fiber neuropathy symptoms. Baseline intraepidermal nerve fiber density was low in three carriers and decreased to below normative values in all during follow-up, while corneal sub-basal nerve density was low in all carriers compared to controls during the entire follow-up. Thus, our study showed that SFN-SIQ and QST are useful diagnostic tools to detect the transition to symptomatic ATTRv-polyneuropathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Can Ebru Bekircan-Kurt
- Hacettepe University, Department of Neurology, Neuromuscular Diseases Research Laboratory, Ankara, Turkey.
| | - Ezgi Yilmaz
- Hacettepe University, Department of Neurology, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Doruk Arslan
- Hacettepe University, Department of Neurology, Ankara, Turkey
| | | | - Özlem Dikmetas
- Hacettepe University, Department of Ophthalmology, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Zeynep Ergul-Ulger
- Hacettepe University, Department of Neurology, Neuromuscular Diseases Research Laboratory, Ankara, Turkey
| | | | - Murat Irkec
- Hacettepe University, Department of Ophthalmology, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Vedat Hekimsoy
- Hacettepe University, Department of Cardiology, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Lale Tokgozoglu
- Hacettepe University, Department of Cardiology, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Ersin Tan
- Hacettepe University, Department of Neurology, Neuromuscular Diseases Research Laboratory, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Sevim Erdem-Ozdamar
- Hacettepe University, Department of Neurology, Neuromuscular Diseases Research Laboratory, Ankara, Turkey
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