Retinal imaging as a diagnostic tool for ME/CFS

Project description

Retinal imaging has long been considered as a diagnostic method for ME/CFS. So far, widespread implementation has stalled due to a lack of robust data and consistent evaluation standards. The team led by Prof Frederike Oertel at the Experimental and Clinical Research Center (ECRC) of the Charité - University Medicine Berlin and the Max Delbrück Center (MDC) aims to establish the technique of dynamic vessel analysis (DVA) as a standard diagnostic tool for ME/CFS.

Dynamic vessel analysis measures the ability of blood vessels to respond to a light stimulus. In healthy individuals, the blood vessels in the eye dilate briefly before contracting again (see figure). People with pathologically altered vascular function (endothelial dysfunction) often exhibit limitations that can be measured in the fundus of the eye. A number of studies suggest that endothelial dysfunction is present in ME/CFS patients. Images taken of the ocular fundus of ME/CFS and PCS patients have shown reduced blood flow in capillaries (the smallest blood vessels). Characteristic measurements, usually the maximum dilation of a vessel, are used for the analysis. Although a tendency toward pathological changes can be seen in PCS and ME/CFS, the values ​​vary widely. In addition, inconsistent analysis patterns hamper robust diagnostics.

The aim of the project is to improve and standardise data analysis for DVA. In the future, the analysis should not only focus on a single measurement point, but also on the response of the blood vessel over the entire measurement period. This data may then provide valuable information: For example, it would be possible to observe not only how strongly a blood vessel reacts to a light stimulus, but also, among other things, how quickly it can do so. The project team hopes to be able to better detect ME/CFS in the future with the help of a standardised and robust analysis pipeline. Subgroup analyses are intended to provide insight into different manifestations of the disease and to identify similarities and differences between PCS and ME/CFS patients.

With robust data analysis, this non-invasive method could become a useful complement to diagnostic testing in ME/CFS outpatient clinics or ophthalmology practices.

Description adapted from project website: see link above.