MRI study of the optic nerve in the first whole eye and face transplant patient

Motivation: 46-year-old male with catastrophic face injury and left globe loss received the first whole eye and face transplant. Our study targets postoperative changes to the affected Optic Nerve (ON). Goal(s): We aimed to probe the neural structure and function of the ON with MRI. Approach: Over 18 months, we acquired a series of diffusion and functional MRI. We then applied tissue microstructure modeling to monitor longitudinal changes along the ON. Results: DTI and NODDI models identified optic neuropathy and axonal swelling. No functional connectivity from the transplanted globe to the visual cortex was confirmed. Impact: This preliminary study demonstrates plausibility and reproducibility of probing postoperative changes to the transplanted ON noninvasively with MRI.