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Doğan ME, Erkan Pota Ç. Investigation of the effects of gestational diabetes and hypertension on retinal and choroidal microvascular circulation using swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography. Microvasc Res 2024; 152:104622. [PMID: 37981229 DOI: 10.1016/j.mvr.2023.104622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this study was to investigate the microvascular changes in the retina and choroid in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) and to compare the results with those of healthy pregnant subjects. METHODS Twenty-nine pregnant subjects with coexisting GDM and PIH (group 1) and 36 healthy pregnant subjects (group 2) were enrolled in the study. All subjects were examined by optical coherence tomography (OCT) and angiography (OCTA). The retina, retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL), ganglion cell layer (GCL), choroidal thickness (CT), superficial capillary plexus (SCP), deep capillary plexus (DCP), choriocapillaris (CC) vascular density (VD), and foveal avascular zone (FAZ) were measured. RESULTS We observed that the values of CT and VD were lower in group 1 than in group 2. No significant difference was found between groups in RT, FAZ area and CC VD. SCP and DCP VD values were higher in group 2 in all quadrants. We observed a significant increase in FAZ area and CC VD with increasing systolic blood pressure. No correlation was observed between diastolic blood pressure and FBS with other parameters. In group 1, FAZ area was significantly higher in the diet-treated group than in the insulin-treated group. CONCLUSION Monitoring and treatment of pregnant women with PIH and GDM is important because of the risks that may occur during pregnancy. We believe that changes in microvascular circulation can be detected noninvasively with OCTA, even in the absence of clinical or retinal findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehmet Erkan Doğan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Akdeniz University Faculty of Medicine, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Çisil Erkan Pota
- Department of Ophthalmology, Manavgat State Hospital, Antalya, Turkey.
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Silverman RH, Urs R, Wapner RJ, Valenzuela IA, Coleman HR, Bearelly S. Correlation of Ocular Plane-Wave Doppler With Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography in Preeclampsia. JOURNAL OF ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE 2023; 42:2815-2824. [PMID: 37605863 PMCID: PMC10840834 DOI: 10.1002/jum.16320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Preeclampsia (PE) is a severe complication of pregnancy characterized by hypertension, proteinuria and compromised fetal blood supply. The eye, like other end organs, is affected by this systemic condition, but unlike in other organs, ocular media transparency allows high-resolution optical visualization of the vascular structure of the retina. Our aim was to assess how ultrasound-determined ocular blood-flow correlates with vascular structure of the retina and choriocapillaris determined by optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). METHODS Plane-wave ultrasound and OCTA were performed on both eyes of 40 consecutive subjects consisting of normal controls (n = 11), mild PE (n = 5), severe PE (n = 17) and chronic or gestational hypertension (n = 7) within 72 hours following delivery. From ultrasound, we measured pulsatile flow velocity and resistance indices in the central retinal artery (CRA) and vein, the short posterior ciliary arteries (SPCAs) and choroid. From OCTA, we measured vascular density (VD) in the superficial, deep retina and choriocapillaris. We determined differences in Doppler and OCTA parameters among groups and correlations between ultrasound and OCTA. RESULTS In severe PE, flow resistance was reduced with respect to controls. Flow velocity and resistance in the and SPCA were moderately correlated with VD in the choriocapillaris and peripapillary retina, but VD in PE did not differ significantly from controls. CONCLUSIONS Although OCTA parameters were moderately correlated with Doppler ultrasound, OCTA did not demonstrate significant differences between PE and controls postpartum.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Raksha Urs
- Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center
| | - Ronald J. Wapner
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center
| | | | - Hanna R. Coleman
- Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center
| | - Srilaxmi Bearelly
- Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center
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Munsell MK, Carducci NM, Eton EA. Exudative Retinal Detachment and Ciliochoroidal Effusion in Preeclampsia. JOURNAL OF VITREORETINAL DISEASES 2023; 7:254-258. [PMID: 37188210 PMCID: PMC10170621 DOI: 10.1177/24741264221147986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Purpose: To describe a novel case of focal exudative retinal detachment, choroidal effusion, and acute angle closure in preeclampsia. Methods: A case report is presented. Results: A 37-year-old woman at 38 weeks gestation presented with 2 weeks of progressive blurred vision in the left eye. She had a visual acuity (VA) of 20/800 and an intraocular pressure (IOP) of 26 mm Hg in the left eye (compared with 17 mm Hg in the right eye). Examination showed subretinal fluid in the posterior pole, ciliochoroidal effusion, and angle closure in the left eye without pathology in the right eye. She was found to have hypertension and proteinuria consistent with preeclampsia. The visual symptoms resolved after delivery. At the 1-month follow-up, she had a VA of 20/60 OS, symmetric IOPs, and resolved subretinal and choroidal effusions. Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of ciliochoroidal effusion in the setting of preeclampsia. It may aid in the diagnosis of preeclampsia's ocular manifestations and broaden pathophysiological understanding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary K. Munsell
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan Kellogg Eye Center, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Nicholas M. Carducci
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan Kellogg Eye Center, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Emily A. Eton
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan Kellogg Eye Center, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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Ke W, Yu N, Liu X, Gu Y, Qin Q, Ye Z, Li Y, Wang K, Chen M. Analysis of macular microvasculature with optical coherence tomography angiography for migraine: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Neurol 2022; 13:1001304. [PMID: 36313505 PMCID: PMC9606770 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.1001304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective This study aimed to evaluate the features of macular microvasculature with optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) among migraine patients. Methods We systematically searched PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library for studies that evaluated the macular microvasculature of migraine patients. The weighted mean differences (WMDs) of the foveal avascular zone (FAZ), foveal superficial capillary plexus (SCP) vessel density (VD), parafoveal SCP VD, foveal deep capillary plexus (DCP) VD, and parafoveal DCP VD with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) among migraine with aura (MA) group, migraine without aura (MO) group, and healthy controls (HC) group were analyzed using a random-effect model. P < 0.05 was considered significant in statistical analyses. Publication bias was assessed using funnel plots and statistical tests (Egger's test and Begg's test). Results Nine studies covering 675 individuals were enrolled in this meta-analysis ultimately. The FAZ of MA patients was not significantly different from HC (WMD = 0.04, 95% CI −0.00 to 0.09). However, the FAZ of MA was significantly larger than that of HC after correction of publication bias by trim and fill method (WMD = 1.03, 95% CI 0.99 to 1.08). The FAZ of MO patients was similar to that of HC (WMD = 0.03, 95% CI −0.00 to 0.07), while smaller than that of MA patients (WMD = 0.05, 95% CI 0.01 to 0.09). VD of the SCP, either in the foveal or parafoveal area, was not significantly different among the three groups. As for DCP, VD in MA patients was lower when compared with HC in the parafovea (WMD = −1.20, 95% CI −1.88 to −0.51). Conclusions We found that there was a larger FAZ in MA compared with HC after adjusting for publication bias. The FAZ in MO was not significantly different from that in HC, but significantly lower than that in MA. There was no significant difference in either foveal or parafoveal VD of SCP among MA, MO, and HC participants, while the parafoveal VD of the DCP in MA was lower than that of the HC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weishaer Ke
- Eye Center of the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Naiji Yu
- Eye Center of the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xin Liu
- Eye Center of the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yuxiang Gu
- Eye Center of the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qiyu Qin
- Eye Center of the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zifan Ye
- Eye Center of the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yuhang Li
- Eye Center of the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Kaijun Wang
- Eye Center of the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Hangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Kaijun Wang
| | - Min Chen
- Eye Center of the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Hangzhou, China
- Min Chen
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THE ROLE OF OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY ANGIOGRAPHY IN PATIENTS WITH PREECLAMPSIA. Retina 2022; 42:1931-1938. [DOI: 10.1097/iae.0000000000003538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Monteiro‐Henriques I, Rocha‐Sousa A, Barbosa‐Breda J. Optical coherence tomography angiography changes in cardiovascular systemic diseases and risk factors: A Review. Acta Ophthalmol 2022; 100:e1-e15. [PMID: 33783129 DOI: 10.1111/aos.14851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Revised: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Cardiovascular (CV) disease (CVD) is the main cause of death around the world, and assessing a patient's CV risk factors (CVRF) can play a major role in its prevention. Since it has been shown that retinal vascular alterations may reflect several systemic processes such as CVRF, we conducted a systematic review in order to summarize which ocular microvasculature changes can be found using Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography (OCTA) in patients without ocular diseases and with systemic pathologies/conditions that affect the CV system when compared to healthy subjects. We searched on online databases, namely PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane and Web of Science, and obtained additional studies through citation tracking. Case reports and review articles were excluded. A total of 47 articles were included in our review. We describe that patients with hypertension, diabetes mellitus, kidney disease, preeclampsia, coronary artery disease, carotid artery stenosis and obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome have, in general, lower retinal and choroidal Vessel Density (VD) and Length (VL), as well as an increased foveal avascular zone area and perimeter. Additionally, several characteristics and/or conditions in healthy subjects, such as smoking status, hyper or hypoxia conditions, race, among others, are also related to ocular vascular changes and should be accounted for. We concluded that OCTA could be a useful tool to assess a patient's CV risk profile in a non-invasive way, possibly integrating the diagnostic and prognostic algorithms of the most prevalent CV diseases in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Amândio Rocha‐Sousa
- Cardiovascular R&D Center Faculty of Medicine of the University of Porto Porto Portugal
- Department of Ophthalmology Centro Hospitalar e Universitário São João Porto Portugal
| | - João Barbosa‐Breda
- Cardiovascular R&D Center Faculty of Medicine of the University of Porto Porto Portugal
- Department of Ophthalmology Centro Hospitalar e Universitário São João Porto Portugal
- Research Group Ophthalmology Department of Neurosciences KULeuven Leuven Belgium
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Chorioretinal Alterations Induced by Preeclampsia. J Ophthalmol 2021; 2021:8847001. [PMID: 33777446 PMCID: PMC7969093 DOI: 10.1155/2021/8847001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Revised: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Hypertension during pregnancy, which is essentially a microvascular disease that destroys the end-organ microcirculation, should not be underestimated, as it could lead to organ failure in the kidneys, lungs, and brain. Preassessment of the microcirculatory state through systematic observation of the fundus has been proven to be noninvasive and feasible. Although hypertension in preeclampsia patients will resolve after childbirth, the sticking point is determining the best termination moment. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent long-term ocular complications and cardiovascular risks for pregnant women in the future. In order to adjust the treatment strategy through more sensitive and precise fundus changes, we comprehensively summarized the common structural changes in the fundus in preeclampsia patients, including changes in the blood vessels, choroid, and retina, as well as the application of quantitative observation for chorioretinal alterations in recent years.
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Optical coherence tomography angiography in neuro-ophthalmology: Current clinical role and future perspectives. Surv Ophthalmol 2020; 66:471-481. [PMID: 33157113 DOI: 10.1016/j.survophthal.2020.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Revised: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) is a noninvasive, depth-resolved imaging tool for the appraisement of retinal vascular changes. Since its introduction, the understanding of diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, central serous retinopathy, and other diseases has been enriched on many fronts. Its dyeless imaging property maps retinal as well as deeper choroidal vasculature in quick succession with good reproducibility. Hence, it can play an important role in the diagnosis and management of optic nerve-related diseases as well. A detailed literature review for its role in nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy, papilledema, optic disc drusen, papillitis, hereditary optic neuropathies, central nervous system diseases, and others highlights its role. The whole spectrum of neuro-ophthalmological diseases shows consistent peripapillary and macular capillary changes with structural and functional correlation. The superficial and deeper retinal and choroidal vasculatures are affected depending on the nature of the disease process. Hence, OCTA positions itself as a useful, noninvasive tool in the armamentarium of a neuro-ophthalmologist in future; however, there are several limitations of the OCTA with respect to its technical abilities in challenging neuro-ophthalmic cases. Therefore, future research should be directed to enhance the technical capabilities of OCTA and to determine the more precise role of it in the prognosis of neuro-ophthalmic diseases.
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Laiginhas R, Cabral D, Falcão M. Evaluation of the different thresholding strategies for quantifying choriocapillaris using optical coherence tomography angiography. Quant Imaging Med Surg 2020; 10:1994-2005. [PMID: 33014731 DOI: 10.21037/qims-20-340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Background In this paper, we evaluate the different thresholding strategies that have been used for the quantification of the choriocapillaris (CC) and explore their repeatability and the interchangeability of the measurements resulting from its application. Methods Observational study. Eighteen eyes from nine healthy volunteers aged >18 years were imaged four consecutive times with a SD-OCTA system (Heidelberg Engineering, Germany) using a 10°×10° high-resolution protocol centered on the fovea. Projection artifacts were removed, and the CC was bracketed between 10 and 30 µm below Bruch's membrane. For the quantification of CC, we used four flow deficits (FD) parameters: FD number, mean FD size, total FD area and FD density. We performed a systematic review of literature to collect the thresholding methods that have been used for the quantification of CC. The CC quantification parameters were then evaluated after applying each of the thresholding strategies. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Pearson's correlation analysis were used to compare the repeatability and interchangeability among the different thresholding strategies for quantifying the CC. Results A total of 72 optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) examinations were considered. The systematic review allowed us to conclude that three local thresholding strategies (Phansalkar, mean and Niblack) and three global thresholding strategies (mean, default, Otsu) have been used for CC quantification. These strategies were evaluated in our observational study. We found a high agreement within the same method in the quantification of FD number, mean FD size, total FD area and FD density but a poor agreement with different strategies. Local strategies achieved a significantly superior ICC than global ones in CC quantification. Conclusions In conclusion, the interchangeability of the CC quantification using different thresholding strategies is low, and direct comparisons should not be performed. Local thresholding strategies are significantly superior to global ones for quantifying CC and should be preferred. There is an unmet need for a uniform strategy to quantify CC in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Laiginhas
- Department of Ophthalmology, CHEDV, Portugal.,PDICSS, Faculty of Medicine of the University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Diogo Cabral
- CEDOC, NOVA Medical School I Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal.,Instituto de Oftalmologia Dr. Gama Pinto, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Manuel Falcão
- Department of Ophthalmology, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de São João, Porto, Portugal.,Department of Surgery and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine of the University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
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Onwudiegwu C, Adekanmi A, Olusanya B, Lawal O, Adedokun B, Morhason-Bello I, Oladokun A. Case-control study on ocular changes and ophthalmic Doppler velocimetric indices among preeclamptic and normotensive pregnant women in Ibadan, Nigeria. BMJ Open Ophthalmol 2020; 5:e000550. [PMID: 32984544 PMCID: PMC7488785 DOI: 10.1136/bmjophth-2020-000550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Revised: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 08/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To compare the ocular changes and Doppler velocimetric indices in preeclamptic and normotensive pregnant women. Methods and analysis This was a case-control study of 71 preeclamptic women and 72 parity-matched normotensive pregnant women conducted at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria. Demographic data were obtained using questionnaires. All participants had visual acuity assessment, funduscopy, intraocular pressure measurement and orbital Doppler ultrasonography. The differences in parameters between the two groups were tested using Student’s t-test for quantitative variables and χ2 tests for categorical variables. Results There were no significant differences between cases and controls with respect to sociodemographic variables. The mean pulsatility index was 1.35±0.46 in cases and 2.1±0.4 in controls (p<0.001); the resistivity index was 0.7±0.18 in cases and 0.83±0.27 among the controls (p=0.01). A similar pattern was observed in the peak systolic velocity (p<0.001) and the peak ratio (p<0.001). There was no significant difference between the groups concerning end-diastolic velocity (p=0.535). Three preeclampsia patients (5.2%) had abnormalities on funduscopy compared with none of the controls. Preeclamptic women had significantly higher intraocular pressures in both eyes at baseline and at 24 hours post delivery. Conclusion This study demonstrated lower Doppler velocimetry and impedance parameters and higher intraocular pressure among preeclampsia cases compared with controls. Abnormal funduscopic findings were observed in a few preeclamptic women and none among the controls. Ophthalmic artery Doppler parameters could be useful in identifying those women who are likely to suffer preeclampsia and its complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiemelie Onwudiegwu
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Ibadan College of Medicine, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Ademola Adekanmi
- Radiology, University of Ibadan College of Medicine, Ibadan, Oyo, Nigeria
| | - Bolutife Olusanya
- Ophthalmology, University of Ibadan College of Medicine, Ibadan, Oyo, Nigeria
| | - Olatunji Lawal
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Ibadan College of Medicine, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Babatunde Adedokun
- Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, University of Ibadan College of Medicine, Ibadan, Oyo, Nigeria
| | - Imran Morhason-Bello
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Ibadan College of Medicine, Ibadan, Nigeria.,Institute of Advanced Medical and Research Training, University of Ibadan College of Medicine, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Adesina Oladokun
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Ibadan College of Medicine, Ibadan, Nigeria
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Silverman RH, Urs R, Wapner RJ, Bearelly S. Plane-Wave Ultrasound Doppler of the Eye in Preeclampsia. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2020; 9:14. [PMID: 32974086 PMCID: PMC7490228 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.9.10.14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 08/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Pre-eclampsia (PE) is a serious complication of pregnancy characterized by high blood pressure, proteinuria, compromised fetal blood supply, and potential organ damage. The superficial location of the eye makes it an ideal target for characterization hemodynamics. Our aim was to discern the impact of PE on ocular blood flow. Methods 18 MHz plane-wave ophthalmic ultrasound scanning was performed on subjects with PE (n = 26), chronic or gestational hypertension (n = 8), and normal controls (n = 19) within 72 hours of delivery. Duplicate three-second long scans of the posterior pole including the optic nerve were acquired at 6000 images/sec for evaluation of the central retinal artery and vein and the short posterior ciliary arteries. The choroid was scanned at 1000 images/sec. Doppler analysis provided values of pulsatile flow velocity and resistance indexes. Results End diastolic velocity was higher, and pulsatility and resistive indexes were significantly lower in the choroid, central retinal artery and short posterior ciliary arteries in PE than in controls. Blood pressure was elevated in PE with respect to controls and was negatively correlated with resistance. Conclusions Although vasoconstriction is considered characteristic of PE, we found reduced resistance in the orbital vessels and choroidal arterioles, implying vasodilation at this level. Future studies incorporating optical coherence tomography angiography for characterization of the retina and choriocapillaris in conjunction with plane-wave ultrasound scanning, particularly in late pregnancy, might address this conundrum. Translational Relevance Use of plane-wave ultrasound scanning for evaluation ocular blood flow in women at risk for PE may offer an avenue towards early detection and clinical intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronald H Silverman
- Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Raksha Urs
- Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ronald J Wapner
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Srilaxmi Bearelly
- Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
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