Changes of normal appearing optic nerve head on diffusion-weighted imaging in patients with diabetic retinopathy

Abstract

Purpose: To investigate whether there is any change by measuring ADC values particularly of the optic nerve head (ONH) in patients with diabetic retinopathy (DR). Material and methods: ADC values at the ONHs was measured in 56 patients and 68 controls. Results: ADC values of ONHs were significantly higher in patients with DR compared to controls (p = 0.011). ADC values in patients with macular edema were higher than those without macular edema (p = 0.017). Conclusion: DWI of ONHs can be useful in cases where it is difficult to assess macular edema during fundus examination, especially in diabetic patients with cataract. (C) 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.