VAMPIRE® fundus image analysis algorithms: Validation and diagnostic relevance in hypertensive cats

Alessandro Cirla (Lead / Corresponding author), Michele Drigo, Lucia Ballerini, Emanuele Trucco, Giovanni Barsotti

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

6 Citations (Scopus)
238 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Objectives: To validate a retinal imaging software named VAMPIRE® (Vascular Assay and Measurement Platform for Images of the Retina) in feline patients and test the clinical utility in hypertensive cats.

Animals Studied: One hundred and five healthy cats were enrolled. They represented the normal dataset used in the validation (group 1). Forty-three hypertensive cats with no noticeable retinal abnormalities were enrolled for the clinical validity of the software (group 2).

Procedures: Eleven points (4 veins, 4 arteries, and 3 arterial bifurcations) were measured for each digital image. Repeatability and reproducibility of measurements were assessed using two independent operators. Data were statistically analyzed by the Mann-Whiney and Tukey box plot. Significance was considered when P < 0.05.

Results: Two hundred and ten retinal images were analyzed for a total of 2310 measurements. Total mean was 9.1 and 6.1 pixels for veins and arteries, respectively. First, second, and third arteriolar bifurcations angles were 73.6°, 76.9°, and 85.4°, respectively. A comparison between groups 1 and 2 showed a statistically significant reduction in arteriolar diameter (mean 3.3 pixels) and branch angle (55°, 47.8° and 59.9°) associated with increasing vein diameter (mean 24.15 pixels).

Conclusions: Current image analysis techniques used in human medicine were investigated in terms of extending their use to veterinary medicine. The VAMPIRE® algorithm proved useful for an objective diagnosis of retinal vasculature changes secondary to systemic hypertension in cats, and could be an additional diagnostic test for feline systemic hypertension.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)819-827
Number of pages9
JournalVeterinary Ophthalmology
Volume22
Issue number6
Early online date22 Feb 2019
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Nov 2019

Keywords

  • cat
  • fundus
  • image analysis algorithms
  • retinal photography
  • software validation
  • systemic hypertension

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Veterinary

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