Cold-induced Vascular Changes in the Macula, Optic Disc and Choroid in Children with Raynaud’s Phenomena

Abstract

ABSTRACT Aim To investigate changes in retinal and choroidal vessels in children with primary and secondary raynaud’s phenomena(RP). Methods Measurements were performed by optic coherence tomography angiography before as well as during and 10 minutes after the immersion of one hand in ice water. Results Primary RP patients exhibited enlargement of the foveal avascular region and decrease in vessel density in the parafoveal superficial capillary plexus (SCP) during cold exposure, but values returned to normal when the hands were removed from the cold water. In children with secondary RP, there were decreases in choroidal thickness and vessel density in the SCP and radial peripapillary capillary plexus (RPCP) during cold exposure. Changes in choroid and peripapillary RPCP were still significant 10 minutes after removal from cold water. Conclusion Ocular arteriolar vasospasm seems to be more pronounced in patients with secondary RP, particularly in the choroid and the peripapillary area of the RPCP. Clinical Trial Registration Number and Date: Decision number 76/1315 - 10.03.2021