Work

A novel OCTA-based image processing method for enhanced microaneurysm detection and 3D visualization in diabetic retinopathy

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The early detection of microaneurysms (MA) in diabetic retinopathy (DR) is crucial for disease management. Although optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) offers non-invasive, high-resolution imags, it still suffers from insufficient sensitivity and limitations of two-dimensional imaging in MA’s detection. This study proposes an innovative processing method based on retinal OCTA images that integrates blood flow signals with the hyperreflective features of MA in structural OCT, combined with three-dimensional reconstruction technology, to construct a retinal vascular image (3D-MA map) that enhances MA’s detection rate and provides 3D visualization. Using the open-source software ImageJ, this method enables visual analysis of the spatial morphology and arteriovenous origin of MAs. The results show that the 3D-MA image preserves three-dimensional stereoscopic effects while enhancing the display of vascular abnormalities, particularly improving the recognition of MAs that are challenging to detect with OCTA alone. This study provides a powerful imaging tool for early diagnosis and mechanistic research of diabetic retinopathy. Figure 4a . Presentation of microaneurysms of a diabetes retinopathy subject in the OCTA full-thickness en-face image, the 3D-MA map, and B-scan images. a1: Device-built OCTA full-thickness en-face image; a2: 3D-MA map; a3: manual segmentation of arteries and veins based on a2. The 3D-MA map reveals MAs not visible in the en-face image (arrows indicated). The red arrow indicates an MA originating from an artery, while the light blue arrow indicates an MA originating from a vein. a4: B-scan image corresponding to the MA marked by the red arrow.

Source: Photodiagnosis and Photodynamic Therapy

DOI: 10.1016/j.pdpdt.2025.105258

Authors: Nianjia Wang, Xindi Liu, Jiayi Wu, Xintong Xiang, Yujia Gao, Liang Yao

Institutions: Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University, Zhejiang University

Language: English

Topic: Retinal Imaging and Analysis

Subfield: Radiology, Nuclear Medicine and Imaging

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,610