Comparison of a Scheimpflug imaging with other screening indices in diagnosing keratoconus and keratoconus suspect

Sci Rep. 2024 Oct 5;14(1):23187. doi: 10.1038/s41598-024-74497-z.

Abstract

Keratoconus (KC) is an irreversible blinding eye disease; therefore, early screening of KC suspects (KCS) is crucial for protecting patients' quality of life. Scheimpflug imaging is a commonly used screening device in clinical practice. We aimed to evaluate the diagnostic ability of a Scheimpflug imaging device (Scansys) for KC and KCS and compared it with other Scheimpflug-based devices (Pentacam and Corvis ST). This prospective case-control study included 107 normal eyes, 72 KCS, and 57 KC. Scansys screening index Keratoconus probability (KCP) showed excellent performance in diagnosing KC at a cutoff value of 16.4 (area under the receiver operating characteristic [AUROC] = 1.000), with 100% sensitivity and 98.11% specificity. KCP had a better KCS diagnostic ability at a cutoff value of 8.9 (AUROC = 0.813) than Corvis biomechanical index (CBI, AUROC = 0.764), reaching 67.61% sensitivity and 85.85% specificity. Pentacam screening index Belin/Ambrósio enhanced ectasia display deviation (BAD-D) showed the best performance with 92.96% sensitivity and 89.62% specificity at a cutoff value of 1.525 (AUROC = 0.970) in diagnosing KCS. Scansys provides accurate KCP parameters in diagnosing KC; however, the efficiency of diagnosing KCS should be further optimized.

Keywords: Corneal biomechanics; Corneal tomography; Keratoconus; Keratoconus suspect; Scheimpflug imaging.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Cornea / diagnostic imaging
  • Cornea / pathology
  • Corneal Topography* / methods
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Keratoconus* / diagnosis
  • Keratoconus* / diagnostic imaging
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Prospective Studies
  • ROC Curve
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Young Adult