Comparison of optic coherence tomography results in patients diagnosed with OCD: findings in favor of neurodegeneration

Abstract

Objective: Optic coherence tomography (OCT) is a contactless and fast neuroimaging method. Previous studies have observed thinning of the ganglion cell layer (GCL) and inner plexiform layer (IPL) in many neurodegenerative diseases. The aim of this study was to compare the GCL volume, retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL), and IPL thickness in obsessive compulsive patients and controls using OCT to demonstrate neurodegeneration in obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). Methods: This study involved 50 OCD patients who were being followed by the Psychiatry Department of Adiyaman University Medical School and 50 healthy volunteers as control. OCT measurements were performed for both groups. The RNFL, IPL thickness, and GCL volumes were measured and recorded automatically by a spectral OCT device. Results: The RNFL thickness was lower in patients compared with controls at all measured regions, and this decrease statistically significant in a few regions (left temporo-superior, left mean). The left and right choroid layer thickness acquired from three regions of choroid layer was higher in patients compared with controls. The GCL and IPL volumes were also significantly lower in the patient group. There was a significant negative correlation between the disease duration and OCT results. Discussion: These findings suggest that neurodegeneration occurs during the course of OCD. This degeneration may be demonstrated by decreased GCL at early stages, and as the disease progresses, involvement of other retinal layers, such as the RNFL and IPL, may be observed.