The Human Visual Pathway Communicates Directly With the Subarachnoid Space

• Published in: Investigative ophthalmology & visual science Vol. 60; no. 7; p. 2773
• Main Authors: Jacobsen, Henrik Holvin, Ringstad, Geir, Jørstad, Øystein Kalsnes, Moe, Morten C., Sandell, Tiril, Eide, Per Kristian
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Lippincott-Raven Publishers 03.06.2019
• Subjects: Adult; Cerebrospinal Fluid - physiology; Contrast Media - administration & dosage; Female; Glymphatic System - physiology; Humans; Injections, Spinal; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Male; Optic Chiasm - diagnostic imaging; Optic Chiasm - physiology; Optic Nerve - diagnostic imaging; Optic Nerve - physiology; Optic Tract - diagnostic imaging; Optic Tract - physiology; Organometallic Compounds - administration & dosage; Prospective Studies; Subarachnoid Space - diagnostic imaging; Subarachnoid Space - physiology; Visual Cortex - diagnostic imaging; Visual Cortex - physiology; Visual Pathways - diagnostic imaging; Visual Pathways - physiology
• ISSN: 1552-5783; 0146-0404; 1552-5783
• DOI: 10.1167/iovs.19-26997

Explore in vivo whether there is direct communication between the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and extravascular compartment of human visual pathway structures. A prospective and observational study included 10 subjects who underwent intrathecal gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for suspected CSF circulation disorder, but with a negative result and with no known ophthalmic diseases. After precontrast T1-weighted MRI, 0.5 mL of gadobutrol (Gadovist, 1.0 mmol/mL) was injected intrathecally. Gadobutrol distributes in the extravascular space, and served as a CSF tracer. Consecutive MRI scans were obtained throughout 24 to 48 hours. To assess gadobutrol contrast enrichment, regions of interest (ROIs) were placed at multiple locations along the visual pathway, from the primary visual cortex to the eye's vitreous body. CSF tracer dependent T1 signal was measured in each ROI. A linear mixed-model was used for statistical analyses. CSF tracer enrichment was found within the optic nerve, optic chiasm, optic tract, and primary visual cortex (P < 0.001). Peak tracer enrichment in the visual pathway generally occurred after 24 hours and was preceded by peak enhancement in the prechiasmatic cistern after 4 to 6 hours. The results indicate direct communication between CSF of subarachnoid space and the extravascular space of the human visual pathway. Extravascular entry of the CSF tracer is a prerequisite for a glymphatic system, the present findings may suggest its presence. The existence of a glymphatic system in the human visual pathway could bring novel perspectives on the pathophysiology and treatment of ophthalmic diseases.