Macular vessel densities by optical coherence tomography angiography in patients with intermediate uveitis

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the macular microvascular changes in patients with intermediate uveitis (IU) using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A) and to determine the relationship of OCT-A measurements with disease duration and activity. Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed at the uvea department of a tertiary hospital. Patients with IU (8 women, 8 men; mean age: 28.80 ± 12.80 years) were included in the study. The macular thickness measurements obtained by optical coherence tomography (OCT) (Heidelberg Spectralis, Heidelberg Engineering, Heidelberg, Germany) and macular superficial and deep vessel density (VD) parameters obtained by OCT-A (Avanti RTVue-XR; Optovue, Fremont, CA, USA) were compared with healthy subjects (12 men, 22 women; mean age: 28.40 ± 8.32 years). Eyes with pathology including marked obvious edema in the macula were not included in the study. Results: The macular thickness was found to be higher in the patient group ( p < 0.001). The deep and superficial VD measurements in almost all quadrants in both superficial and deep layers were significantly lower in the IU patient group ( p < 0.05). Macular thickness was increased in the active state of IU ( p = 0.03), however, none of the OCT-A parameters showed a significant difference between active and inactive IU patients ( p > 0.05). No correlation was observed between OCT-A parameters and total IU disease duration. Conclusion: Quantitative analyses of macular vascular structures demonstrate significantly reduced VD in both superficial and deep retinal layers in IU patients. Considering the importance of the macula in visual prognosis, OCT-A can provide crucial data for the monitoring and follow-up of IU patients.

Commentary: Macular vessel densities in non-invasive optical coherence tomography angiography: Challenges in intermediate uveitis

“…Dyeless, non-invasive optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A) is an easy, fast, software-generated newer investigative tool for retinal and uveitic diseases. [ 1 2 3 4 5 ] In the past few years, the structural and functional components of retinal diseases were studied by OCT-A with revolutionary development. [ 1 2 3 4 5 ] OCT-A stressed an understanding of histology and histopathology of retinal and choroidal layers.…”

“…[ 1 2 3 4 5 ] In the past few years, the structural and functional components of retinal diseases were studied by OCT-A with revolutionary development. [ 1 2 3 4 5 ] OCT-A stressed an understanding of histology and histopathology of retinal and choroidal layers. [ 1 2 3 4 5 ] Retinal vessel density mapping particularly in the macula is the proportion of blood vessel areas with blood flow measured over the total area.…”

“…[ 1 2 3 4 5 ] OCT-A stressed an understanding of histology and histopathology of retinal and choroidal layers. [ 1 2 3 4 5 ] Retinal vessel density mapping particularly in the macula is the proportion of blood vessel areas with blood flow measured over the total area. [ 1 2 3 4 5 ]…”

“…[ 1 2 3 4 5 ] Retinal vessel density mapping particularly in the macula is the proportion of blood vessel areas with blood flow measured over the total area. [ 1 2 3 4 5 ]…”

“…The macula in the posterior pole has a thickness of 160–190 μm where it forms a slight depression having the fovea and within it, the foveola. [ 1 2 3 4 5 ] The fovea has the highest concentration of cones with a high density of xanthophyllic pigments and pigment epithelial cells which are densely filled and have a high density of pigment granules. [ 1 2 3 4 5 ] OCT-A can involve split-spectrum amplitude-decorrelation angiography which helps in the clear differentiation of superficial and deep vascular plexuses.…”