Optical attenuation coefficient decorrelation-based optical coherence tomography angiography for microvascular evaluation of Alzheimer's disease on mice.

Abstract

Significance: The deep cortical microvasculature is closely linked to the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, tail artifacts from superficial cortical vessels often interfere with detecting deep vessels in optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) imaging. A more accurate method to assess deep cortical vasculature is crucial for understanding its relationship with AD onset.

Aim: We aim to reduce superficial vessel artifacts in OCTA imaging and improve the visualization and analysis of deep cortical microvasculature in an AD mouse model.

Approach: We introduced the optical attenuation coefficient decorrelation (OACD) method for OCTA, effectively reducing tail artifacts from superficial cortex vessels. This method was used to visualize and quantitatively analyze deep cortical microvasculature in vivo in a mouse model of AD.

Results: The OACD method significantly reduced superficial vessel artifacts, leading to clearer imaging of the deep cortical vasculature. Quantitative analysis revealed that changes in the deep cortical microvasculature were more pronounced than in the superficial vasculature, suggesting a more direct involvement of the deep vessels in AD progression.

Conclusions: The proposed OACD method enhances OCTA imaging by reducing tail artifacts from superficial vessels, facilitating improved assessment of deep cortical microvasculature. These findings suggest that deep cortical vascular changes may play a key role in the pathogenesis of AD, offering potential insights for early detection and monitoring of AD progression.