open access

Vol 11, No 2 (2005)
Research paper
Published online: 2005-05-19
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Estimation of variability of retinal vessel network caused by pathology

Iwona Liberek, Sławomir Chaberek, Stanisława Kwiecień, Jerzy Szaflik, Kazimierz Ostrowski
DOI: 10.5603/aa.9894
·
Acta Angiologica 2005;11(2):121-128.

open access

Vol 11, No 2 (2005)
Original papers
Published online: 2005-05-19

Abstract

Background. The present study shows the plasticity of retinal vessel networks connected with pathology. It seems that even in adults, retinal vessel networks can change their shape and arborisation under the influence of angiogenic factors connected with pathological processes.
Material and methods. Fractal analysis of photographs of vascular networks revealed significant differences between controls and diabetic retinopathy, hypertensive retinopathy and AMD (age related macular degeneration). The results are based on the analysis and calculations of fractal dimensions of 173 pathological and control photographs of retinal vessels. The following patients were included in the study: 38 diabetic retinopathy, 31 hypertensive retinopathy, 32 open-angle glaucoma, 39 AMD patients and 33 controls. The fractal dimension is the mathematical parameter describing the complexity of the analysed network. The obtained images of retinal vessel networks were digitised, normalised and processed mathematically. The box counting method was used for calculation of fractal dimensions.
Conclusions. This analysis allows not only for description of the plasticity and complexity of retinal network as the effect of pathological conditions but also contains the potential to use this kind of analysis for diagnostic purposes.

Abstract

Background. The present study shows the plasticity of retinal vessel networks connected with pathology. It seems that even in adults, retinal vessel networks can change their shape and arborisation under the influence of angiogenic factors connected with pathological processes.
Material and methods. Fractal analysis of photographs of vascular networks revealed significant differences between controls and diabetic retinopathy, hypertensive retinopathy and AMD (age related macular degeneration). The results are based on the analysis and calculations of fractal dimensions of 173 pathological and control photographs of retinal vessels. The following patients were included in the study: 38 diabetic retinopathy, 31 hypertensive retinopathy, 32 open-angle glaucoma, 39 AMD patients and 33 controls. The fractal dimension is the mathematical parameter describing the complexity of the analysed network. The obtained images of retinal vessel networks were digitised, normalised and processed mathematically. The box counting method was used for calculation of fractal dimensions.
Conclusions. This analysis allows not only for description of the plasticity and complexity of retinal network as the effect of pathological conditions but also contains the potential to use this kind of analysis for diagnostic purposes.
Get Citation

Keywords

fractal dimensions; retinal vessel network; plasticity of retinal angiogenesis

About this article
Title

Estimation of variability of retinal vessel network caused by pathology

Journal

Acta Angiologica

Issue

Vol 11, No 2 (2005)

Article type

Research paper

Pages

121-128

Published online

2005-05-19

Page views

836

Article views/downloads

1382

DOI

10.5603/aa.9894

Bibliographic record

Acta Angiologica 2005;11(2):121-128.

Keywords

fractal dimensions
retinal vessel network
plasticity of retinal angiogenesis

Authors

Iwona Liberek
Sławomir Chaberek
Stanisława Kwiecień
Jerzy Szaflik
Kazimierz Ostrowski

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