Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography Findings Research Articles

Impact of Solar Eclipses on Vision: Insights from Optical Coherence Tomography and Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography Analysis*

Purpose Solar retinopathy, resulting from solar eclipse exposure, poses risks to visual health. This study explores acute and chronic phase findings using clinical examinations and optical coherence tomography (OCT) and optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A) with a focus on longitudinal assessment. Methods Seven eyes with a history of unprotected solar eclipse exposure were included. Clinical examination, fundus photography, OCT, and OCT-A imaging were performed at initial assessment, as well as at one-month and six-month follow-up intervals. Data analysis included descriptive statistics. Results The cases, exposed without protection, underwent assessments, revealing variable visual acuity, outer retinal layer, and Henle fiber layer changes during follow-up. Regression of hyperreflectivity within the outer retinal and Henle fiber layers was observed over time in all eyes, although persistent microdefects within the outer retinal layer were noted in specific cases. OCT-A imaging revealed a larger foveal avascular zone, which persisted over a six-month period in select cases. Additionally, affected eyes exhibited a decrease in superficial vascular density, with subsequent improvement noted during the six-month period. Conclusion Solar retinopathy can result in visual impairment, accompanied by alterations observed in the Henle fiber layer using OCT. Additionally, OCT-A findings indicate possible vascular involvement. This study underscores the significance of adopting protective measures during solar eclipses and emphasizes the value of employing longitudinal multimodal imaging techniques to comprehend the pathophysiology of the condition.

Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography Findings Associated With Accelerated Hypertension

Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography Findings Associated With Accelerated Hypertension

Swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography findings in a case of primary vitreoretinal lymphoma over a three-year follow-up

BackgroundVitreoretinal lymphoma (VRL) still represents a diagnostic challenge for retinal specialists. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical for a better prognosis. Several diagnostic tools have proven helpful in the identification of VRL abnormalities. However, swept-source OCT angiography (SS-OCT-A) findings and their long-term follow-up are yet to be explored.Case presentationa 42-year-old man presented with blurred vision in his left eye for 2 weeks. He denied any systemic symptoms. A multimodal imaging examination was performed, raising the clinical suspicion of VRL and guiding the ensuing diagnostic procedures. The patient underwent treatment and at the last FU visit three years later, no disease signs were present on fundus examination, nor on oncologic evaluation. Some novel SS-OCT-A features were identified, and uncommonly reported findings were examined over a long-term follow-up. At baseline multiple hyperreflective alterations were detected on the enface outer retina slabs and choriocapillary analysis revealed low reflectance areas in the foveal and parafoveal areas. One month after the first presentation, multiple hyperreflective retinal lesions in a vertical shape were detected on OCT which appeared on midretinal slabs of enface SS-OCT-A as hyperreflective spots mainly located near second-order retinal vessels. These alterations remarkably reduced after treatment.ConclusionSS-OCT-A may be a useful imaging technique in the detection of VRL, providing ophthalmologists additional findings that assist the diagnosis and follow-up of this disease. This may prove useful for a more timely and precise diagnosis, prompt therapy, and treatment response monitoring. The original aspects found in this case may provide grounds for future studies, ultimately fostering a better understanding of the disease.

Using optical coherence tomography and optical coherence tomography angiography to delineate neurovascular homeostasis in migraine: a review.

Migraine is one of the world's most debilitating disorders, and it has recently been shown that changes in the retina can be a potential biomarker for the disease. These changes can be detected by optical coherence tomography (OCT), which measures retinal thickness, and optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA), which measures vessel density. We searched the databases Google Scholar, ProQuest, Scopus, and Web of Science for studies in English using OCT and OCTA in migraineurs, using the search terms "optical coherence tomography," "OCT," "optical coherence tomography angiography," "OCTA" and "migraine." We found 73 primary studies, 11 reviews, and 8 meta-analyses pertaining to OCT and OCTA findings in migraineurs. They showed that migraineurs had reduced retinal thickness (via OCT), retinal vessel density, and greater foveal avascular zone area (via OCTA) than controls. OCTA changes reflect a perfusion compromise occurring in migraineurs as opposed to in healthy controls. OCT and OCTA deficits were worse in migraine-with-aura and chronic migraine than in migraine-without-aura and episodic migraine. Certain areas of the eye, such as the fovea, may be more vulnerable to these perfusion changes than other parts. Direct comparison between study findings is difficult because of the heterogeneity between the studies in terms of both methodology and analysis. Moreover, as almost all case-control studies were cross-sectional, more longitudinal cohort studies are needed to determine cause and effect between migraine pathophysiology and OCT/OCTA findings. Current evidence suggests both OCT and OCTA may serve as retinal markers for migraineurs, and further research in this field will hopefully enable us to better understand the vascular changes associated with migraine, perhaps also providing a new diagnostic and therapeutic biomarker.

LONGITUDINAL ANALYSIS OF MICROVASCULAR CHANGES IN SICKLE CELL DISEASE USING SWEPT-SOURCE OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY ANGIOGRAPHY.

To analyze the changes in macular vascular densities (VDs) and foveal avascular zone (FAZ) over a 6-year period using swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography in patients with sickle cell disease compared with unaffected control subjects. Thirty eyes of patients with sickle cell disease and 12 eyes of unaffected control subjects matched for age and ethnicity were examined at a 6-year interval using the same imaging protocol, including ultra-wide-field angiography, swept-source OCT, and 3 × 3-mm optical coherence tomography angiography. The macular VD and FAZ were measured on ImageJ software according to previously reported algorithms. In sickle cell eyes, the mean FAZ significantly increased ( P < 0.01), and the VD decreased in the foveal (within a circle of 1.5 mm in diameter around the foveal center) and temporal areas in both the superficial and the deep capillary plexuses ( P < 0.01). The VD did not change over time in the parafoveal area (annulus between two circles of 1.5 and 3 mm in diameter) and in the superior, inferior, and nasal sectors. No worsening of peripheral retinopathy was observed in the cohort during the follow-up, except for one eye that developed sea-fan. In the control eyes, no microvascular change was observed over time in FAZ size and VD. These longitudinal optical coherence tomography angiography findings in patients with sickle cell disease showed an enlargement of the FAZ and a decrease in VD in the temporal and perifoveal regions despite the absence of progression of peripheral retinopathy, suggesting a worsening of the macular nonperfusion over time in sickle cell disease.

Retinal Microvasculature in Systemic Sclerosis Patients and the Correlation between Nailfold Capillaroscopic Findings and Optical Coherence Angiography Results.

Background: The comparison of retinal perfusion in the eyes of patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) and in healthy controls using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). The correlation between nailfold capillaroscopy results and OCTA findings among SSc. Methods: The study enrolled 31 patients with systemic sclerosis and 41 healthy controls. OCTA was performed in both groups to assess the retinal vasculature in the superficial (SCP) and deep (DCP) capillary plexuses and the foveal avascular zone (FAZ) area. Nailfold capillaroscopy (NC) was performed in SSc patients and compared to the FAZ area and the superficial and the deep vessel density. Results: In the SSc group, the parafoveal vessel density in DCP was significantly higher in relation to the mean value (p < 0.0001) and in each quadrant of the macula (p < 0.0001) compared to healthy subjects (p < 0.0001). The patients with early scleroderma patterns in capillaroscopy had a larger superficial and deep FAZ (p = 0.0104, p = 0.0076, respectively) than those with active and late patterns. There was a statistically significant difference in the FAZ when comparing early to active (p < 0.0001) and early to late scleroderma patterns (p < 0.0001). A statistically significant difference was found in the type of interstitial lung disease and the deep FAZ area (p = 0.0484). SSc patients with nonspecific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP) had a larger FAZ than those with usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) (p = 0.0484). Moreover, NSIP cases had a higher parafoveal mean superficial vessel density than those with UIP (p = 0.0471). Conclusions: Our investigation showed that the peripheral microvascular system correlates with ocular microcirculatory impairment. The results indicate the important role of OCTA in the diagnosis, monitoring, and prognosis of microvascular changes in SSc.

Optical coherence tomography and optical coherence tomography angiography findings in optic nerve hypoplasia and their relationships with visual acuity

This study aimed to quantitatively assess the thickness of the peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL) thickness, as well as the microvascular alterations in the macula and peripapillary regions, in optic nerve hypoplasia (ONH) patients compared to normal controls. This was achieved through the utilization of spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA), with a specific focus on elucidating the association between these structural alterations and visual acuity. We included a total of 17 eyes of 12 ONH patients, and 34 eyes of age-matched 34 healthy controls. The pRNFL thickness was quantified using SD-OCT, while OCTA facilitated the visualization and measurement of the microvascular structure images of the superficial retinal capillary plexus (SRCP), deep retinal capillary plexus (DRCP), and radial peripapillary capillary (RPC) segment in the macula and peripapillary area. pRNFL thickness was measured for eight sectors (superior, temporal, inferior, nasal, superotemporal, superonasal, inferotemporal, and inferonasal). SRCP, DRCP, and RPC were measured for four sectors (superior, temporal, inferior, and nasal). Age, gender, and spherical equivalent refractive errors were statistically adjusted for the analysis. Associations of structural parameters with visual acuity in ONH patients were analyzed using Spearman correlation analysis. pRNFL thickness was significantly thinner in ONH patients than in controls for all sectors. Vessel densities of temporal and nasal sectors in DRCP were significantly higher in ONH patients, but vessel densities of the inferior sector in RPC were significantly lower than those in controls. For all sectors, pRNFL thickness was strongly associated with visual acuity in ONH patients. ONH patients showed significant pRNFL thinning and microvascular alterations compared to controls, and pRNFL thickness was strongly associated with visual function. OCT and OCTA are useful tools for evaluating optic disc hypoplasia and its functional status.

Evaluation of Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography Findings in Pars Planitis and Multiple Sclerosis Associated Intermediate Uveitis in Remission

Purpose To evaluate the microvasculature during remission in patients with pars planitis (PP-IU) and multiple sclerosis-associated intermediate uveitis (MS-IU) using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A). Methods Single-center, descriptive, case-control study was conducted. Adult patients (≥16 years) with IU in remission (PP-IU and MS-IU) and healthy age-sex matched healthy controls (HC) were enrolled to the study. Demographic/clinical features, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), ocular findings, neurological symptoms and preferred treatments were recorded. The presence of cystoid macular edema (CME) during follow-up was recorded. All IU patients in remission and HC subjects were scanned with OCT-A. Foveal avascular zone (FAZ) areas of superficial and deep capillary plexus (SCP/DCP) and vascular densities of SCP, DCP and choriocapillaris were obtained from OCT-A and compared between the groups. Results Sixty-nine eyes of 37 IU patients in remission and 20 HC were included (44 eyes/23 patients in PP-IU, 25/14 in MS-IU, 40/20 in HC). No statistically significant differences were observed in terms of demographic or clinical characteristics of the patients. The vascular density in the SCP was significantly reduced in the PP-IU and MS-IU groups compared to the HC group (p < .05). Nevertheless, there were no significant changes in any of the OCTA parameters between the IU groups. Uveitis duration was found to be correlated with enlargement of the FAZ area in PP-IU (p = .039). Conclusion OCTA may not be useful in differentiating between PP-IU and MS-IU. Nevertheless, the primary implication in SCP potentially elucidates the pathogenesis of these two subtypes of IU, which are characterized by a shared pathogenesis. The monitoring of the FAZ area in the PP-IU group is valuable in terms of chronicity.

Comparative analysis of optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) results between Behçet's disease patients and a healthy control group.

This study aimed to compare optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) findings between patients with Behçet's disease (BD) and individuals with healthy eyes. A cross-sectional study. This cross-sectional study was conducted on patients (67 eyes) with BD who were referred to Feiz Hospital and healthy eyes (43 eyes). All subjects underwent Snellenvisualacuity, a slit-lamp examination, measuring intraocular pressure, conducting a dilated fundus examination, OCTA imaging, and spectral-domain (SD)-OCT imaging. OCTA retinal vascular measurements including optic nerve VD, macular-associated VD( superficial and deep), foveal avascular zone (FAZ) area, FAZ perimeter (PERIM), and vessel density within a 300-μm-wide region of the FAZ (FD) were compared between the groups. A significant difference was evident between the two groups (healthy one group and BD group) in terms of parafoveal and perifoveal total retinal thickness, total pRNFL VD in all quadrants except the inferior sector (P < 0.05), and macular superficial, and deep VD in all regions except temporal and superior perifoveal VD (P < 0.05) following adjustments for age, gender, and signal strength index. When comparing the two groups, ocular Behçet's disease (BD) and non-ocular BD, it was evident that peripapillary vessel density (VD) exhibited a significant decrease in ocular BD eyes in all sectors except for the superior and inferior ones, as compared to non-ocular BD eyes. In addition, the comparison of ocular BD and non-ocular BD showed superficial and deep VDs were lower in ocular BD than non-ocular BD in all regions. According to these findings, peripapillary and macular vessel density is affected in BD. Key Points • The study utilized OCTA to compare retinal features in Behçet's disease (BD) patients and healthy individuals, revealing significant differences in retinal thickness and vessel density. • Ocular BD demonstrated reduced peripapillary vessel density compared to non-ocular BD. • The demonstrated association between ADMA and cIMT in patients with early SSc may suggest a role of NO/ADMA pathway in the initiation of macrovascular injury in SSc.

Post-fever Retinitis With a Positive Weil-Felix Test: A Study From a Tertiary Center in South India.

Background Post-fever retinitis (PFR) is reported two to six weeks after fever and affects one or both eyes. Rickettsial fever is one of the most common causes of PFR. This study aimed to report the clinical features and treatment outcomes of PFR cases with a positive Weil-Felix test. Methodology In this study, we collected demographic data, fever details, eye symptoms, ocular examination findings, optical coherence tomography (OCT) and fundus fluorescein angiography findings, laboratory findings, and length of follow-up of consecutive PFR cases with a positive Weil-Felix test. All cases were treated with oral doxycycline and prednisolone. Final best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and ocular examination findings were recorded. Visual field examination and follow-up OCT results were noted if available. Results A total of nine patients (eight males) with a mean age of 39.1 years with fever before ocular symptoms and positive Weil-Felix test were included.Six patients had bilateral disease. The mean initial and final BCVA in the affected eyes was 1.16 and 0.35 logMAR units, respectively (p < 0001). All 15 eyes had typical white retinitis patches and retinal hemorrhages which resolved after treatment. OCT showed hyperreflectivity and inner retinal disorganization over retinitis patches. White subretinal lines were noted in three patients and retinal nerve fiber bundle defect with corresponding visual field defect was seen in one eye. Conclusions In this study, PFR due to rickettsia infections has been reported from our region for the first time. Hence, eye specialists in the region should be aware of this entity.

Correlation Between Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography Findings at 3 to 6 Weeks and Functional Outcome at 3 Months Following Acute Ischaemic Stroke Due to Extracranial Carotid Artery Atherosclerotic Disease

ABSTRACT We wanted to evaluate if optical coherence tomography angiography OCTA findings could predict the functional outcome in extracranial carotid artery atherosclerotic disease (ECAD) associated stroke. This exploratory study was performed on adults with acute ischaemic stroke due to ECAD at 3–6 weeks following stroke onset with risk factor matched controls without carotid artery stenosis. Twenty-three stroke patients (cases) and 23 controls were enrolled. There was significant difference between cases and controls in deep vessel density at the macula (p = .0007) and in radial peripapillary capillary perfusion density (RPCPD) at the optic nerve head (ONH) (p = .0007). Statistically significant difference was noted in the total superficial vessel density (SVD) at the macula (SVD within 1 standard deviation [SD] versus SVD beyond 1 SD of control data) in the ipsilateral eye and functional outcome at 3 months (poor versus very good outcome, modified Rankin scale [mRS] 0–1 versus mRS 2–6, respectively; p = .0361). There was statistically insignificant correlation between the RPCPD at the ONH and the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score at admission, mRS at discharge, and mRS at 3 months following stroke onset (r = .33, r = .35, r = .39; p = .11, p = .09, p = .06, respectively). The findings of this exploratory study suggested that OCTA findings may predict 3 month outcomes in cases of ECAD-related stroke and could be useful in decision making in future intervention studies as to whether intervene or not in patients having critical or non-critical ECAD for preventing stroke.

Assessment of Retinal Microangiopathy in Patients with Balkan Endemic Nephropathy Using Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography-A Pilot Study.

Background and Objectives: It is well known that alterations in microvascular structure and function contribute to the development of ocular, renal, and cardiovascular diseases. Accordingly, the presence of fundus vascular changes in patients suffering from chronic kidney disease (CKD) and Balkan endemic nephropathy (BEN) may provide information of prognostic value regarding the progression of renal disease. This study aimed to examine the associations between clinical characteristics and retinal optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) parameters in patients with BEN and compare them with those in CKD. Materials and Methods: This pilot study, conducted from March 2021 to April 2022, included 63 patients who were divided into two groups: the first group consisted of 29 patients suffering from BEN, and the second was a control group of 34 patients with CKD. Demographic, laboratory, clinical, and medication data were noted for all the patients included in this study. Each eye underwent OCT angiography, and the results were interpreted in accordance with the practical guide for the interpretation of OCTA findings. Results: Statistically significantly higher levels of total serum protein and triglycerides were recorded in the BEN group than in the CKD group, while the level of HDL cholesterol was lower. Based on the performed urinalysis, statistically significantly higher values of total protein and creatinine were detected in patients with CKD compared to the BEN group. It was demonstrated that the OCTA vascular plexus density of certain parts of the retina was in significant association with systolic and diastolic blood pressure, creatinine clearance, urinary creatinine, total cholesterol, diabetes mellitus type 2, age, body mass index, total serum and urinary protein, sCRP, and diuretic and antihypertensive treatment. Conclusions: In comparison with CKD, BEN leads to more significant disturbances in retinal vasculature density.

Optical coherence tomography angiography findings after silicone oil tamponade for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment

Aim: To describe retinal structural and microvascular changes using Swept source optical coherence tomography (SS‐OCT) and OCT angiography (OCT‐A) in patients with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) treated by vitrectomy (PPV) and silicone oil (SO) tamponade and to identify the final visual acuity (VA) prognostic factors.Methods: In this retrospective study, patients were treated with PPV and SO tamponade for uncomplicated DRR. After SO removal, retinal thickness was assessed by SS‐OCT. The foveal avascular zone (FAZ) area, the fractal dimension (FD), the lacunarity (LAC) and the macular capillary vessel density (VD) in the superficial (PCS) and deep plexuses (PCP) and in the choriocapillaris (CC) were analysed.Results: Thirty‐one eyes were included in this study; 20 eyes (65%) had macula ‘OFF’ RRD. The mean post‐operative final VA was 3.2/10. Outer retinal defect was observed in 74.1% of the operated eyes. Central macular thickness (CMT) and parafoveal thickness were significantly decreased compared with healthy fellow eyes (p = 0.048; p = 0.029). Outer nuclear layer (ONL) and subfoveal choroid were significantly thinned in the operated eyes (p = 0.003; p = 0.017). The FAZ in PCS and PCP and was larger (p = 0.042; p = 0.032), the VD (total, parafoveal and parafoveal) in the PCP were significantly lower (p = 0.004; p = 0.012; p = 0.049) and the lacunarity (LAC) at the PCP level was significantly higher (p = 0.040) in the operated eyes than in the fellow eyes. The final VA was correlated with the defect of the outer retina (p &lt; 0.002) and the VD in PCP (p = 0.0199). The duration of SO tamponade was signifcantly correlated with the outer retinal defect (p = 0.011), the enlargement of FAZ area (p = 0.001) and the VD in DCP (p = 0.002).Conclusion: SIO can lead to structural and vascular retinal ischaemic defect such as enlargement and irregularity of the FAZ and predominant PCP capillary abnormalities. These changes could reflect vascular hypoperfusion in eyes with SO tamponade and may represent a potential cause of retinal thinning and unexplained visual loss.

OCT angiography findings in posterior persistent fetal vasculature

Aims/Purpose: To report optical coherence tomography angiography findings in a patient presenting unilateral posterior persistent fetal vasculature (PVF).Methods: We report the case of a 19‐year‐old female patient with longstanding visual impairment of the left eye (LE). Patient was assessed with multimodal imaging including color fundus photography, swept source optical coherence tomography (SS‐OCT) and SS‐OCT angiography (SS‐OCTA) of the macula and the optic disc.Results: The patient had a history of unilateral visual impairment of unknown aetiology and consulted for a routine examination. Best corrected visual acuity was 10/10 in the right eye (RE) and limited to counting fingers in the LE. Ophthalmological examination of the LE revealed a mild exophoria, a quiet anterior segment, a vestigial capsular bag and an inferonasal whitish spot at the posterior lens capsule corresponding to Mittendorf's dot. Dilated fundus examination of the LE showed a lack of foveal reflex, retinal vessel contraction associated to the presence of a fibrovascular stalk extending from the OD to the crystalline lens via the vitreous humour, corresponding to fibrovascular contraction of the persistent and hyperplastic Cloquet's canal. No associated retinal detachment was noted. The clinical diagnosis of posterior PVF was confirmed. Macular SS‐OCT revealed retinal thinning with absence of foveal pit. Optic disc SS‐OCT highlighted a hyporeflective tubular structure overlying a Bergmeister'papilla. Cross‐sectional SS‐OCTA detected a flow signal at the level of Bergmeister's papilla, but no confirmed flow signal was identified at the level of the fibrovascular stalk.Conclusions: PVF is a rare condition characterized by fetal remnant from developmental vascular system defects, clinically recognized in its three forms (anterior, posterior and combined). OCT‐angiography is a useful non‐invasive tool to confirm of persistent hyaloid artery patency and assess risk of vascular complications. Contraction of the fibrovascular mass is prone to tractional retinal detachment and repeated episodes of intravitreal or intracapsular haemorrhage. Monitoring is therefore recommended even in adulthood.

Multimodal topographically oriented approach to the study of full-thickness macular holes

This article studies the relationship between structural changes according to the findings of optical coherence tomography (OCT) and OCT angiography (OCTA), microperimetry (MP), multifocal electroretinography (mfERG) parameters in topographically corresponding areas of the macular region in idiopathic full-thickness macular holes (FTMH). OCT, OCTA, MP and mfERG were performed in 14 eyes with FTMH stages I-IV according to Gass. In 13 points at a distance of 0-2.5°, 2.5-5.0°, and 5.0-10.0° from the fixation point, the light sensitivity (LS), amplitude and latency of the P1 component were compared with the size of the hole, the area of cystic changes (CC) at the level of the inner nuclear layer (INL) and the outer plexiform layer and Henle fiber layer complex (OPL+HFL), vessel density in the superficial and deep capillary plexus (SCP and DCP). LS and P1 component amplitude were significantly reduced at a distance of up to 5.0° from the fixation point. LS correlates with the apical and basal diameter of the hole (R> -0.53), the area of CC in the INL (R> -0.62) and the OPL+HFL complex (R> -0.55), the density of vessels in the SCP at a distance of up to 2.5° from the fixation point (R>0.51) and in the DCP at a distance of up to 5° from the fixation point (R>0.49). The P1 amplitude correlates with the basal diameter of the hole (R= -0.38), the area of CC in the INL and the OPL+HFL complex (R> -0.33) and vessel density in the SCP (R=0.37) at a distance of up to 2.5° from the fixation point, as well as vessel density in the DCP at a distance of up to 5° from the fixation point (R=0.47). Vessel density in the DCP is significantly lower in the presence of CC in the retina (p<0.001). In FTMH, there is a relationship between bioelectrical activity and LS, and structural disorders, capillary perfusion in different layers of the retina. A multimodal topographically oriented approach allows studying the relationship between structural and functional parameters in individual points of the retina and can be used in monitoring of FTMH after surgical treatment.

Outer Retinal and Choroidal Changes in Adolescents with Long-Lasting Type 1 Diabetes.

This study aimed to assess outer retinal layer (ORL), retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), choroid (Ch) and choriocapillaris (CC) modifications in adolescents with long-lasting (>10 years) type 1 diabetes (T1D) without (noDR) or with diabetic retinopathy (DR). ORL and RPE thickness were measured at optical coherence tomography (OCT) macular scans. Vascular parameters of Ch and CC were quantified after elaboration of macular OCT-angiography (OCTA) images. Insulin dose and auxological and metabolic parameters were correlated with OCT and OCTA findings in patients. ORL thickness was higher in DR eyes than in noDR and healthy controls (HC), and RPE thickness was higher in noDR and DR eyes than in HC, with statistical significance for some sectors in noDR versus HC. No OCTA parameters of CC and Ch differed among groups, and no significant correlation was observed with auxological and metabolic parameters. In conclusion, ORL and RPE were both increased in adolescents with long-lasting T1D. Such changes were not associated with insulin dose and glycemia control, nor to any choroid or choriocapillaris flow change clinically detectable at OCTA, and they could be potential imaging biomarkers of disease progression.

Proximal nailfold videocapillaroscopy findings of patients with idiopathic macular telangiectasia type 2.

Idiopathic macular telangiectasia type 2 (IMT) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by bilateral, idiopathic, and perifoveal retinal telangiectatic vessel formations. We aimed to compare proximal nailfold videocapillaroscopy (NV) findings between patients with IMT and healthy individuals and evaluate the optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) parameters of the patients with IMT according to their NV findings. The study included 43 patients with IMT and 92 healthy controls of similar age and gender without any additional diseases. The OCTA and NV findings of the patients and controls were examined. The mean age was 59.76 ± 5.73 years in the IMT group and 58.23 ± 4.96 years in the control group. Of the 43 patients with IMT, 19 were found to have increased capillary tortuosity, six had microhemorrhage, and 18 had bizarre capillaries (P < 0.001). In the IMT group, the total vascular density value of the superficial capillary plexus was higher among the patients with capillary microhemorrhage (P = 0.001), and the subfoveal choroidal thickness was lower among those with increased capillary tortuosity and bizarre capillaries (P = 0.04 and P = 0.07, respectively). This is the first study in which the NV findings of patients with IMT were compared with those of a control group. We found higher rates of increased capillary tortuosity, microhemorrhage, and bizarre capillaries in the IMT group compared to the controls. We consider that this situation is caused by microvascular damage. We also think that IMT is a systemic disease that affects both proximal nailfold capillaries and eye vessels.

Evaluation of Structural Retinal Layer Alterations in Retinitis Pigmentosa.

Objective: This study aimed to analyze retinal layers in the macular region using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). Additionally, we examined the retinal vascular plexus densities of the eyes using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A), specifically in patients with retinitis pigmentosa (RP). Methods: In the study, 36 eyes from patients with retinitis pigmentosa (RP) and 36 eyes from healthy controls were included. Measurements involved assessing the thicknesses of each retinal layer at the central fovea, parafoveal, and perifovea using spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). Moreover, the study involved the evaluation of retinal capillary plexus densities (RCPD), encompassing deep capillary plexus density values, superficial capillary plexus, and radial peripapillary capillary plexus. This assessment was performed using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A). Results: No statistically significant difference in retinal thickness was found in the central fovea between the two groups. The thicknesses of the INL, OPL, and PRL in the parafoveal regions as well as the RPE in the perifoveal regions increased in the RP group. Nonetheless, the ONL, IPL, GCL, and RNFL demonstrated reduced thickness in both the perifoveal and parafoveal areas. The OCT-A findings indicated that patients with RP exhibited lower values for all RCPD. Conclusion: The retinal layers and RCPD were significantly impacted at varying rates of RP. It is essential to acknowledge that this alteration may be significant in the context of the retinal findings in patients with RP. Abbreviations: SD-OCT = Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography, OCT-A = Optical coherence tomography angiography, RP = Retinitis pigmentosa, ETDRS = Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study, SD = standard deviation, TRT = Total Retinal Thickness, IRT = Inner Retinal Thickness, ORT = Outer Retinal Thickness, RNFL = Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer, GCL = Ganglion Cell Layer, IPL = Inner Plexiform Layer, INL = inner nuclear layer, OPL = Outer Plexiform Layer, ONL = Outer Nuclear Layer, PRL = Photoreceptor layer, RPE = Retinal Pigment Epithelium, µm = micrometer, PaFoSu = parafovea superior, PeFoSu = perifovea superior, PaFoNa = parafovea nasal, PeFoNa = perifovea nasal, PaFoTe = parafovea temporal, PeFoTe = perifovea temporal, PaFoIn = parafovea inferior, PeFoIn = perifovea inferior.

Evaluation of Macular and Optic Disc Radial Peripapillary Vessel Density Using Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography in Gout Patients.

In this cross-sectional study, optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A) findings were compared in patients with gout (n = 30) and healthy participants (n = 32). The superficial and deep vessel density variables measured using OCT-A were compared between the groups. The superficial foveal and perifoveal vessel densities of the patient group were lower than those of the healthy participants (p = 0.014 and p = 0.045, respectively). However, all superficial and parafoveal vessel densities were similar in both groups (p = 0.469 and p = 0.284, respectively). The deep capillary plexus density measurements of the whole-zone, foveal, parafoveal, and perifoveal vessel densities using OCT-A revealed no significant differences between the groups (p = 0.251, p = 0.074, p = 0.177, and p = 0.881, respectively). A higher serum uric acid (SUA) level was found to be independently associated with a decreased superficial capillary plexus density and an increased choriocapillary flow deficit in the study population. Men were less sensitive to high SUA levels than women. These findings suggest that an elevated uric acid concentration may play a role in the development and progression of cardiovascular disease through changes in the microvasculature, as shown by the OCT-A parameters.

Visual Acuity-Related Outer Retinal Structural Parameters on Swept Source Optical Coherence Tomography and Angiography in XLRS Patients and Carriers.

To assess the quantitative differences in vessel density and retinal thickness of X-linked retinoschisis (XLRS) patients and RS1 mutation carriers, and the correlation with best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) with swept source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) and OCT angiography (OCTA). We analyzed the correlation between the BCVA of XLRS patients and the SS-OCT and OCTA findings including the detailed structural characteristics of XLRS patients. Besides the schitic changes in various retinal layers, the structural disturbance of outer retina was universally found. In 29 eyes included in the quantitative analysis, XLRS patients showed lower vessel density of the superficial capillary plexus, deep capillary plexus and lower thickness of the outer nuclear layer. BCVA was correlated with the thickness of the outer plexiform layer and outer nuclear layer and the thickness from the outer limiting membrane to the retinal pigment epithelium. Carriers showed higher thickness of outer plexiform layer and smaller foveal avascular zone area. SS-OCT and OCTA could identify the pathological alterations of the individual retinal layers and capillaries, which could pinpoint the exact location of the damages related to visual impairment. In the carriers, the subtle alterations that can be detected with SS-OCT, despite their normal visual acuity, may be caused by the lyonization. Swept source optical coherence tomography can be used as an efficient technique to expose the retinal damage related to visual impairment for prognosis and follow-up.