VIIP Scholar

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3D curved multiplanar reconstruction of the ocular nerve trajectory.

Team

The Problem

VIIP simulations of CSF, hemodynamics and ocular risk (VIIP SCHOLAR): visual impairment/intracranial pressure (VIIP) syndrome, also termed Spaceflight Associated Neuro-ocular Syndrome (SANS), occurs in a significant fraction of astronauts undergoing long duration space flight, and is characterized by a spectrum of ophthalmic changes (see humanresearchroadmap.NASA.gov/evidence/reports/ VIIP.pdf). Astronauts with VIIP can suffer permanent loss of visual acuity, and thus this condition is a major health concern for NASA. The pathophysiology of VIIP is poorly understood. However, evidence points to an important role for alterations in cerebrospinal fluid (csf) and vascular flow dynamics/pressures in microgravity.

Hypothesis

In view of the above, we hypothesize that the pathophysiology of VIIP involves alterations in biomechanical loads on the neural and connective tissues of the posterior globe/optic nerve due to changed csf/blood pressures in microgravity. We further postulate that risk factors for VIIP can be identified through numerical modeling of these processes, and that such models can be used to evaluate proposed VIIP countermeasures.

Approach

In this proposal we will develop modeling tools that: (i) compute fluid shifts in microgravity; (ii) compute how these shifts lead to biomechanical insult to the optic nerve in astronauts; and (iii) estimate the effect that these insults have on optic nerve function. These tools will directly build upon, and interface with, models of ocular biomechanics and fluid shifts that we are currently developing in our NASA funded monstr sim project. Towards this end, we propose 4 specific aims: SA1: measure key physiologic parameters needed for modeling, including effects of intracranial pressure on optic nerve sheath diameter, optic nerve tortuosity, craniospinal volume and cerebral blood flow. SA2: incorporate quasi 1d effects into existing compartment models, allowing us to evaluate the effects of microgravity and countermeasures on csf and blood flows/pressures. SA3: extend finite element models of ocular biomechanics, specifically modeling: (i) optic nerve kinking, and (ii) compression of optic nerve fiber bundles in the lamina cribrosa; and relate kinking/compression to an index of axoplasmic insult/stasis. SA4: carry out parametric studies integrating the above models to identify individual specific factors that: (i) predispose for the development of VIIP syndrome, and (ii) influence the efficacy of proposed countermeasures, both useful for risk profiling.

Expected Results

The resulting models will provide a powerful platform for better understanding individual specific risks for VIIP and, eventually, for evaluating VIIP mitigation strategies, thus contributing to astronaut health. More specifically, these models will allow us to quantify the biomechanical environment of the optic nerve at the level of individual nerve fiber bundles, with outcome measures designed to predict the risk of two specific clinical features of VIIP: optic nerve kinking and papilledema.