Choroidal thickness in patients with coronary artery disease

Non-Invasive Retinal Vessel Analysis as a Predictor for Cardiovascular Disease

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the most frequent cause of death worldwide. The alterations in the microcirculation may predict the cardiovascular mortality. The retinal vasculature can be used as a model to study vascular alterations associated with cardiovascular disease. In order to quantify microvascular changes in a non-invasive way, fundus images can be taken and analysed. The central retinal arteriolar (CRAE), the venular (CRVE) diameter and the arteriolar-to-venular diameter ratio (AVR) can be used as biomarkers to predict the cardiovascular mortality. A narrower CRAE, wider CRVE and a lower AVR have been associated with increased cardiovascular events. Dynamic retinal vessel analysis (DRVA) allows the quantification of retinal changes using digital image sequences in response to visual stimulation with flicker light. This article is not just a review of the current literature, it also aims to discuss the methodological benefits and to identify research gaps. It highlights the potential use of microvascular biomarkers for screening and treatment monitoring of cardiovascular disease. Artificial intelligence (AI), such as Quantitative Analysis of Retinal vessel Topology and size (QUARTZ), and SIVA-deep learning system (SIVA-DLS), seems efficient in extracting information from fundus photographs and has the advantage of increasing diagnosis accuracy and improving patient care by complementing the role of physicians. Retinal vascular imaging using AI may help identify the cardiovascular risk, and is an important tool in primary cardiovascular disease prevention. Further research should explore the potential clinical application of retinal microvascular biomarkers, in order to assess systemic vascular health status, and to predict cardiovascular events.

Looking into the Eyes to See the Heart of Chronic Kidney Disease Patients

In patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), the main cause of morbidity and mortality is cardiovascular disease (CVD). Both coronary artery calcium scoring by computed tomography (CT) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) are used to identify patients at increased risk for ischemic heart disease, thereby indicating a higher cardiovascular risk profile. Our study aimed to investigate the utility of these techniques in the CKD population. In patients with CKD, OCT was used to measure the choroidal thickness (CHT) and the thickness of the peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL). A total of 127 patients were included, including 70 men (55%) with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of 39 ± 30 mL/min/1.73 m2. Lower pRNFL thickness was found to be related to high-sensitivity troponin I (r = -0.362, p < 0.001) and total coronary calcification (r = -0.194, p = 0.032). In a multivariate analysis, pRNFL measurements remained associated with age (β = -0.189; -0.739--0.027; p = 0.035) and high-sensitivity troponin I (β = -0.301; -0.259--0.071; p < 0.001). Severe coronary calcification (Agatston score ≥ 400 HU) was related to a worse eGFR (p = 0.008), a higher grade of CKD (p = 0.036), and a thinner pRNFL (p = 0.011). The ROC curve confirmed that the pRNFL measurement could determine the patients with an Agatston score of ≥400 HU (AUC 0.638; 95% CI 0.525-0.750; p = 0.015). Our study concludes that measurement of pRNFL thickness using OCT is related to the markers associated with ischemic heart disease, such as coronary calcification and high-sensitivity troponin I, in the CKD population.

Retinal Structural and Vascular Changes in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Retinal microvascular anomalies have been identified in patients with cardiovascular conditions such as arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and carotid artery disease. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis (PROSPERO registration number CRD42024506589) to explore the potential of retinal vasculature as a biomarker for diagnosis and monitoring of patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) through optical coherence tomography (OCT) and optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA).

METHODS

We systematically examined original articles in the Pubmed, Embase, and Web of Science databases from their inception up to November 2023, comparing retinal microvascular features between patients with CAD and control groups. Studies were included if they reported sample mean with standard deviation or median with range and/or interquartile range (which were computed into mean and standard deviation). Review Manager 5.4 (The Cochrane Collaboration, 2020) software was used to calculate the pooled effect size with weighted mean difference and 95% confidence intervals (CI) by random-effects inverse variance method.

RESULTS

Eleven studies meeting the inclusion criteria were incorporated into the meta-analysis. The findings indicated a significant decrease in the retinal nerve fiber layer (WMD -3.11 [-6.06, -0.16]), subfoveal choroid (WMD -58.79 [-64.65, -52.93]), and overall retinal thickness (WMD -4.61 [-7.05, -2.17]) among patients with CAD compared to controls (p < 0.05). Furthermore, vascular macular density was notably lower in CAD patients, particularly in the superficial capillary plexus (foveal vessel density WMD -2.19 [-3.02, -1.135], p < 0.0001). Additionally, the foveal avascular zone area was statistically larger in CAD patients compared to the control group (WMD 52.73 [8.79, 96.67], p = 0.02). Heterogeneity was significant (I2 > 50%) for most features except for subfoveal choroid thickness, retina thickness, and superficial foveal vessel density.

CONCLUSION

The current meta-analysis suggests that retinal vascularization could function as a noninvasive biomarker, providing additional insights beyond standard routine examinations for assessing dysfunction in coronary arteries.

Quantitative evaluation of choroidal and retinal microvasculature post-alcohol consumption: A pilot study

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to assess the impact of acute, heavy alcohol consumption on the ocular microvasculature, providing insight into the largely unexplored response of microvascular structures to excessive drinking.

METHODS

Healthy volunteers in this prospective pilot study were tasked with consuming spirits, wine, and water at different times. Alcohol intake was measured according to body weight (g/kg). The ocular microvascular parameters primarily including choroidal volume (CV) and choroidal vessel volume (CVV) reflecting arteriolovenularity, and choroidal capillary density (CCD) reflecting capillary, were evaluated using swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography at baseline and 0.5-, 1-, 2-, and 3-hour post-consumption.

RESULTS

A total of 34 eyes underwent 170 successful examinations in this study. After consuming spirits or wine, we observed significant decreases in CV and CVV values (all P < 0.01 for 0.5-, 1-, 2-, and 3-hour post-consumption), along with significant increase in CCD (P < 0.05 at 0.5-, 1-, 2-hour post-spirits consumption and 1-hour post-wine consumption). The most pronounced changes occurred 1-hour after spirits or wine consumption (all P < 0.001 in both univariate and multivariate model). However, post-consumption changes in the ocular microvasculature showed no significant differences between spirits and wine (P > 0.05). Additionally, no significant differences were observed in any parameters after water intake (all P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Excessive alcohol consumption leads to ocular arteriolovenular vasoconstriction and capillary vasodilation, most evident 1-hour post-consumption of spirits and wine. Our research provides insight into alcohol's immediate ocular microvascular effects, hinting at systemic microvascular effects.

Internal Carotid Artery Stenosis and Ipsilateral Subretinal Drusenoid Deposits

Purpose

Subretinal drusenoid deposits (SDDs) in age-related macular degeneration (AMD) are strongly associated with vasculopathies such as myocardial infarction and ischemic stroke. This study evaluates ischemic stroke subjects for SDDs to determine whether ocular hypoperfusion from internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis is associated with ipsilateral SDDs.

Methods

A cross-sectional study at Mount Sinai Hospital recruited 39 subjects with ischemic stroke (aged 52-90; 18 women, 21 men); 28 completed all study procedures. Computed tomography (CT) of the head and neck evaluated 54/56 ICAs for stenosis criteria: none (n = 33), mild (n = 12), moderate (n = 3), severe (n = 3), and complete (n = 3). Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) scans were read to consensus by two masked graders for soft drusen, SDDs and choroidal thickness (CTh; choroidal thinning = CTh < 250 µm). Univariate testing was done with Fisher's exact test. Multivariate logistic regression models tested age, gender, and ICA stenosis as covariates.

Results

Moderate or more ICA stenosis (≥50%-69%) was significantly associated with ipsilateral choroidal thinning (P = 0.021) and ipsilateral SDDs (P = 0.005); the latter were present distal to six of nine stenosed ICAs versus five of 33 normal ICAs. Mild ICA stenosis (≥1%-49%) was not significantly associated with ipsilateral SDDs. Multivariate regression found that older age (P = 0.015) and moderate or more ICA stenosis (P = 0.011) remained significant independent risks for ipsilateral SDDs.

Conclusions

At least moderate ICA stenosis (≥50%-69%) is strongly associated with ipsilateral SDDs and choroidal thinning, supporting downstream ophthalmic artery and choroidal hypoperfusion from ICA stenosis as the mechanism for SDD formation. SDDs may thus serve as sensitive biomarkers for ischemic stroke and other vascular diseases.

The clinical implications of choroidal thickness combined with tear VEGFA in coronary artery disease

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of choroidal thickness and tear vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) as biomarkers of coronary artery disease (CAD).

METHODS

This study was a retrospective observational case-control trial. A total of 637 patients who underwent coronary angiography to assess their coronary artery status were included. The patients were divided into two groups: 200 people in the No CAD group and 437 people in the CAD group. We evaluated the choroidal thickness of the right foveal membrane in all patients through optical coherence tomography angiography examination. We also collected tear samples from patients to measure VEGFA. The ROC curve and its area under the curve (AUC) were used for analysis.

RESULTS

The central foveal choroid in the No CAD group was significantly thicker than that in the CAD group (289.09 μm ± 38.41; 229.03 μm ± 33.44, P  < 0.01). The tear VEGFA in the CAD group was higher than that in the No CAD group (706.15 ng/mL ± 147.42; 419.66 ng/mL ± 105.85, P  < 0.01). Spearman analysis showed that the correlation between choroidal thickness and Gensini score was -0.7387 ( P  < 0.01). The correlation between tear VEGFA level and Gensini score was 0.8636 ( P  < 0.01). Taking choroidal thickness and tear VEGFA as independent variables, we obtained AUC = 0.9647 (95% CI 0.9506-0.9789, P  < 0.01) through binary logic regression and ROC curve analysis.

CONCLUSION

The combination of choroidal thickness and tear VEGFA in patients can serve as a clinical marker of CAD and its severity.

Retinal Findings and Cardiovascular Risk: Prognostic Conditions, Novel Biomarkers, and Emerging Image Analysis Techniques

Many retinal diseases and imaging findings have pathophysiologic underpinnings in the function of the cardiovascular system. Myriad retinal conditions, new imaging biomarkers, and novel image analysis techniques have been investigated for their association with future cardiovascular risk or utility in cardiovascular risk prognostication. An intensive literature search was performed to identify relevant articles indexed in PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar for a targeted narrative review. This review investigates the literature on specific retinal disease states, such as retinal arterial and venous occlusions and cotton wool spots, that portend significantly increased risk of future cardiovascular events, such as stroke or myocardial infarction, and the implications for personalized patient counseling. Furthermore, conditions diagnosed primarily through retinal bioimaging, such as paracentral acute middle maculopathy and the newly discovered entity known as a retinal ischemic perivascular lesion, may be associated with future incident cardiovascular morbidity and are also discussed. As ever-more-sophisticated imaging biomarkers and analysis techniques are developed, the review concludes with a focused analysis of optical coherence tomography and optical coherence tomography angiography biomarkers under investigation for potential value in prognostication and personalized therapy in cardiovascular disease.

Impact of coronary artery bypass grafting surgery on the chorioretinal biomicroscopic characteristics

BACKGROUND

Most patients with cardiovascular disorders suffer from coronary artery diseases, which can be treated successfully using coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). One of the unpleasant events following CABG is postoperative vision loss (POVL). Vulnerability of retinal vessels to hemodynamic changes, an expectable event following CABG, may contribute to the development of POVL, which might be associated with the changes in the choroidal and retinal structures.

AIM

To investigate postoperative changes in chorioretinal and peripapillary nerve fiber layer (NFL) thickness, and progression of diabetic and hypertensive retinopathy after CABG.

METHODS

In this prospective, cross-sectional study, 49 eyes in 25 candidates for CABG underwent both ophthalmic and cardiovascular examinations within 6 mo prior to and 9 mo after surgery.

RESULTS

Among the study participants, 56% were male with a mean age of 62.84 years ± 10.49 years (range 33-80 years). Diabetes mellitus was observed in eight participants (32%). None of the patients suffered from postoperative anterior or posterior ischemic optic neuropathy, central retinal artery occlusion, and cortical blindness. The mean value of the preoperative best corrected visual acuity was 0.11 ± 0.10 logMAR (range, 0-0.4), which worsened to 0.15 ± 0.08 logMAR (range, 0-0.4) after CABG (P = 0.031). No significant difference was observed between the pre- and postsurgical choroidal (P = 0.853) and macular (P = 0.507) thickness, NFL thickness in the subfoveal (P > 0.999) and peripapillary areas (P = 0.659), as well as the severity of diabetic and hypertensive retinopathy.

CONCLUSION

CABG may reduce visual acuity without affecting ocular structures. Postoperative vision reduction might be attributable to molecular or cellular variations, changes in visual pathway function, or central nervous system.

Evaluation of Arterial Stiffness and Subfoveal Choroidal Thickness in Patients with Coronary Slow Flow

Background

Coronary slow flow may not only affect the coronary arteries, but it may also be a vascular problem affecting the rest of the arterial system.

Objective

The aim of this study was to determine peripheral arterial stiffness and the thickness of the choroid layer in patients with slow coronary flow.

Methods

Fifty consecutive patients (age, 54.3 ± 11.4 years, 38 male) with coronary slow flow and 25 consecutive patients (age, 50.5 ± 9.9 years, 16 male) with normal coronary arteries both documented by coronary angiography were included. Arterial stiffness parameters were measured noninvasively using a Mobil-O-Graph arteriography system. The choroidal thickness was assessed using the enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography method.

Results

The patients with coronary slow flow had significantly higher peripheral systolic blood pressure, peripheral pulse pressure, central pulse pressure, and pulse wave velocity (PWV) and significantly thinner choroidal thickness compared to the controls. Thrombolysis in myocardial infarction frame count was positively correlated with PWV (r: 0.237, p = 0.041) and negatively correlated with choroidal thickness (r: -0.249, p = 0.031). There was also a negative correlation between PWV and mean choroidal thickness (r: -0.565, p < 0.001). Linear regression analysis showed that coronary slow flow was an independent predictor of both PWV and choroidal thickness when adjusted by age and sex.

Conclusions

The acceleration of average peripheral arterial PWV with a thinning of choroidal thickness in patients with coronary slow flow may support the idea that this phenomenon may be a coronary presentation of a systemic microvascular disorder.

Age-Related Macular Degeneration With Visual Disability Is Associated With Cardiovascular Disease Risk in the Korean Nationwide Cohort

Background Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of visual disability. AMD shares some risk factors with the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, previous studies examining the association between AMD and the risk of CVD provide conflicting results. Hence, we investigated the association between AMD, visual disability, and the risk of CVD. Methods and Results This is a nationwide cohort study using data from the Korean National Health Insurance System database (2009-2019) on subjects who underwent a national health screening program in 2009. A total of 3 789 963 subjects were categorized by the presence of AMD and visual disability. Visual disability was defined as a best-corrected visual acuity of ≤20/100 by validated documentation from a specialist physician. Cox regression hazard model was used to examine the hazard ratios (HRs) of CVD, including myocardial infarction and ischemic stroke, after adjusting for potential confounders. During a mean 9.77 years of follow-up, AMD was associated with a 5% higher risk of myocardial infarction (adjusted HR [aHR], 1.05 [95% CI, 1.01-1.10]) but not associated with increased risk of overall CVD (aHR, 1.02 [95% CI, 1.00-1.05]) or ischemic stroke (aHR, 1.02 [95% CI, 0.98-1.06]). However, when AMD was accompanied by visual disability, there was increased risk of CVD (aHR, 1.17 [95% CI, 1.06-1.29]), myocardial infarction (aHR, 1.18 [95% CI, 1.01-1.37]), and ischemic stroke (aHR, 1.20 [95% CI, 1.06-1.35]). These trends were more evident in women and subjects with cardiometabolic comorbidities. Conclusions AMD with visual disability, but not all AMD, was associated with an increased risk of CVD. Patients with AMD who have visual disability should be targeted for CVD prevention.

The effect of off-pump coronary bypass graft surgery on subfoveal choroidal thickness, ganglion cell complex, and retinal nerve fiber layer thickness

Background

Cardiac surgery has been associated with adverse ocular events. Off-pump coronary artery bypass graft surgery evades the systemic inflammatory response seen in extracorporeal circulation and is superior to on-pump surgery with regard to end-organ dysfunction and neurological outcomes.

Objectives

To determine the effects of off-pump (without extracorporeal circulation) coronary artery bypass graft surgery on choroidal thickness, ganglion cell complex, and the retinal nerve fiber layer.

Design

Prospective, longitudinal study.

Methods

Patients who underwent off-pump surgery were examined preoperatively and postoperatively at 1 week and 6 weeks after surgery. Choroidal thickness, ganglion cell complex, and the retinal nerve fiber layer measurements were recorded, and the effects of off-pump coronary artery bypass on these parameters were assessed.

Results

A total of 44 eyes of 44 patients were included in the study. There was a statistically significant increase in subfoveal choroidal thickness from 252.84 ± 56.24 µm preoperatively to 273.82 ± 39.76 µm at 1 week and 301.97 ± 44.83 µm at 6 weeks after off-pump coronary artery bypass graft surgery (p = 0.044; p ⩽ 0.001). Ganglion cell complex and retinal nerve fiber measurements showed no significant difference compared to preoperative values.

Conclusion

Off-pump coronary artery bypass graft surgery showed no negative effects on ganglion cell complex and retinal nerve fiber measurements. A significant increase in subfoveal choroidal thickness was seen after off-pump surgery, which might be advantageous in patients who are at high risk or have preexisting ocular diseases that are affected by the choroid.

Irregular Baseline Brain Activity in Coronary Artery Disease Patients with Cognitive Impairment: A Resting-state Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study

OBJECTIVE

Cognitive impairment has been suggested to be associated with coronary artery disease [CAD]; however, the underlying mechanism is not fully understood. Our current study aimed to explore the brain activity in CAD patients compared to healthy controls [HCs].

METHODS

Twenty-two CAD patients and 23 HCs were enrolled in our study. A low-frequency oscillation at the voxel level in all participants based on the amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations [ALFF] was measured using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging. All participants underwent neuropsychological examinations [Mini-Mental State Examination, MMSE and Montreal Cognitive Assessment, MoCA] and visual acuity examination.

RESULTS

CAD patients showed significantly lower ALFF values [P < 0.05] in the right precuneus gyrus [Precuneus_R], left supramarginal gyrus [Supramarginal_L], left angular gyrus [Angular_L], and left middle cingulum gyrus [Cingulum_Mid_L] than healthy controls. Lower MoCA scores in CAD patients significantly correlated with lower Supramarginal_L [P = 0.001] and Cingulate_ Mid_L [P = 0.004] ALFF values. Reduced visual acuity significantly correlated with lower Precuneus_R [P = 0.019] and Cingulate_Mid_L [P = 0.011] ALFF values in CAD patients.

CONCLUSION

These findings may provide further insight into the underlying neuropathophysiology of CAD with cognitive impairment.

Subretinal drusenoid deposits are strongly associated with coexistent high-risk vascular diseases

Background/aims

Demonstrate that subretinal drusenoid deposits (SDDs) in age-related macular degeneration (AMD) are linked to coexistent high-risk vascular diseases (HRVDs).

Methods

Cross-sectional study. Two hundred AMD subjects (aged 51–100 years; 121 women, 79 men) were recruited. Spectral domain optical coherence tomography, autofluorescence and near-infrared reflectance imaging, and lipid profiles were obtained. Subjects were assigned by health history questionnaires into those with or without HRVDs, defined as: cardiac valve defect (eg, aortic stenosis), myocardial defect (eg, myocardial infarction) and stroke/transient ischaemic attack. Masked readers assigned subjects into two groups: SDD (with or without drusen) and drusen (only). Univariate testing was performed by χ2test. We built multivariate regression models to test relationships of coexistent HRVD to SDD status, lipid levels and other covariates.

Results

The prevalence of HRVD was 41.2% (40/97) and 6.8% (7/103) in the SDD and non-SDD groups, respectively (correlation of SDD with HRVD, p=9×10−9, OR 9.62, 95% CI 4.04 to 22.91). Multivariate regressions: only SDDs and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) in the first two HDL quartiles remained significant for HRVD (p=9.8×10−5, 0.021, respectively). Multivariate regression model: SDDs and an HDL in Q1 or Q2 identified the presence of HRVD with the accuracy of 78.5%, 95% CI 72.2% to 84.0%.

Conclusions

High-risk cardiovascular and neurovascular diseases were accurately identified in an AMD cohort from SDDs and HDL levels. The SDDs may be related to inadequate ocular perfusion resulting from the systemic vasculopathies. Further research with this paradigm is warranted and might reduce mortality and morbidity from vascular disease.

Retinal and Choroidal Thinning—A Predictor of Coronary Artery Occlusion?

Introduction. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) and optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) allowed visualization of retina and choroid to nearly the capillary level; however, the relationship between systemic macrovascular status and retinal microvascular changes is not yet known well. Aim. Our purpose was to assess the impact of retinal optical coherence tomography (OCT) and optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) parameters on prediction of coronary heart disease (CHD) in acute myocardial infarction (MI) and chronic three vessel disease (3VD) groups. Methods. This observational study included 184 patients—26 in 3VD, 76 in MI and 82 in healthy participants groups. Radial scans of the macula and OCTA scans of the central macula (superficial (SCP) and deep (DCP) capillary plexuses) were performed on all participants. All participants underwent coronary angiography. Results. Patients in MI groups showed decreased parafoveal total retinal thickness as well as GCL+ retinal thickness. Outer circle total retinal thickness and GCL+ retinal thickness were lowest in the 3VD group. The MI group had thinner, while 3VD the thinnest, choroid. A decrease in choroidal thickness and vascular density could predict 3VD. Conclusions. A decrease in retinal and choroidal thickness as well as decreased vascular density in the central retinal region may predict coronary artery disease. OCT and OCTA could be a significant, safe, and noninvasive tool for the prediction of coronary artery disease.

Subretinal Drusenoid Deposits and Lower Serum High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Levels Possess Latent Relation to Cardiovascular Disease and Can Be a Feasible Predictor

Objective

To ascertain whether lipid-related subretinal drusenoid deposits (SDD) are correlated with coexisting cardiovascular disease (CVD), as well as to reveal latent serum markers of CVD.

Methods

Patients older than 50 years and plagued by age-related macular degeneration (AMD) were included. Subjects with other retinal degenerations and vascular diseases, any recent treatment at other medical care institutions, and any previous oculopathy or ophthalmic surgery were excluded. All subjects were examined to ascertain whether they possess SDD, to analyze serum cholesterols, including low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), and total cholesterol (TC). Subjects were divided into SDD and non-SDD groups and further divided into subgroups by assessment of pump defect, valve defect, and carotid defect. Finally, logistic model trees and random forest algorithm analysis were performed.

Results

A total of 85 AMD patients including 43 with and 42 without SDD were involved. The 42 AMD (97.67%, 42/43) patients with SDD showed CVD, including 3 subjects presenting valve defect, 3 subjects presenting carotid defect, 8 subjects presenting pump defect, 14 subjects presenting both pump and valve defects, and 14 subjects presenting pump, valve, and carotid defects. By contrast, 5 AMD (11.90%, 5/42) patients without SDD showed CVD. Cholesterol level of SDD subjects presented significant higher TC (5.66 ± 1.01 vs. 5.58 ± 0.72, p = 0.032, Wilcoxon test) and lower HDL cholesterol (61 ± 17 vs. 70 ± 21, p = 0.031, Wilcoxon test) than that of non-SDD. The cases with HDL < 62 mg/dL were significantly related to CVD (p = 0.013, Wilcoxon test), and the cases with HDL < 40 mg/dL were not (p = 0.659, Wilcoxon test). Through machine learning based on the image from color fundus photography, the accuracy of predicting CVD was 95%.

Conclusions

The presence of SDD of AMD and lower serum HDL cholesterol level can predict certain CVD for AMD patients. The machine learning based on the SDD image and serum HDL cholesterol may open new avenue for the detection of CVD as a noninvasive approach.

Choroidal thickness and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor in tears improve the prediction model for coronary artery disease

BACKGROUND

Coronary artery disease (CAD) detection in asymptomatic patients still remains controversial. The aim of our study was to evaluate the usefulness of ophthalmologic findings as predictors of the presence of CAD when added to cardiovascular classic risk factors (CRF) in patients with acute coronary cardiopathy suspicion.

METHODS

After clinical stabilization, 96 patients with acute coronary cardiopathy suspicion were selected and divided in two groups: 69 patients with coronary lesions and 27 patients without coronary lesions. Their 192 eyes were subjected to a complete routine ophthalmologic examination. Samples of tear fluid were also collected to be used in the detection of cytokines and inflammatory mediators. Logistic regression models, receiver operating characteristic curves and their area under the curve (AUC) were analysed.

RESULTS

Suggestive predictors were choroidal thickness (CT) (OR: 1.02, 95% CI 1.01-1.03) and tear granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) (OR: 0.97, 95% CI 0.95-0.99). We obtained an AUC of 0.9646 (95% CI 0.928-0.999) when CT and tear G-CSF were added as independent variables to the logistic regression model with cardiovascular CRF: sex, age, diabetes, high blood pressure, hypercholesterolemia, smoking habit and obesity. This AUC was significantly higher (p = 0.003) than the prediction derived from the same logistic regression model without CT and tear G-CSF (AUC = 0.828, 95% CI 0.729-0.927).

CONCLUSIONS

CT and tear G-CSF improved the predictive model for CAD when added to cardiovascular CRF in our sample of symptomatic patients. Subsequent studies are needed for validation of these findings in asymptomatic patients.

Arterial Hypertension and the Hidden Disease of the Eye: Diagnostic Tools and Therapeutic Strategies

Hypertension is a major cardiovascular risk factor that is responsible for a heavy burden of morbidity and mortality worldwide. A critical aspect of cardiovascular risk estimation in hypertensive patients depends on the assessment of hypertension-mediated organ damage (HMOD), namely the generalized structural and functional changes in major organs induced by persistently elevated blood pressure values. The vasculature of the eye shares several common structural, functional, and embryological features with that of the heart, brain, and kidney. Since retinal microcirculation offers the unique advantage of being directly accessible to non-invasive and relatively simple investigation tools, there has been considerable interest in the development and modernization of techniques that allow the assessment of the retinal vessels’ structural and functional features in health and disease. With the advent of artificial intelligence and the application of sophisticated physics technologies to human sciences, consistent steps forward have been made in the study of the ocular fundus as a privileged site for diagnostic and prognostic assessment of diverse disease conditions. In this narrative review, we will recapitulate the main ocular imaging techniques that are currently relevant from a clinical and/or research standpoint, with reference to their pathophysiological basis and their possible diagnostic and prognostic relevance. A possible non pharmacological approach to prevent the onset and progression of retinopathy in the presence of hypertension and related cardiovascular risk factors and diseases will also be discussed.

Age-Related Macular Degeneration and Cardiovascular Diseases: Revisiting the Common Soil Theory

ABSTRACT

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a complex disease associated with aging, remains one of the leading causes of visual loss in high-income countries and its prevalence is expected to increase over the next decades. Polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy has been considered a variant of neovascular AMD and is highly prevalent in Asian populations. Similarly, cardiovascular disease (CVD)-another complex disease associated with aging-is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in high-income countries and its prevalence is also expected to increase due to population aging. Previous studies reported an increased risk for CVD in AMD patients, indicating an underlying "common soil." Reviewing the current literature, consistent evidence for common risk factors and mutual comorbidity was identified for both diseases. Cardiovascular risk factors include smoking, diet, and low levels of physical activity, which also play a role in AMD pathogenesis. Several studies demonstrated AMD patients to be at higher risk for CVD compared to the general older population. The complexity of both diseases, however, complicates research on their relation, and thus studies ought to be interpreted with caution. Herein we present an overview of selected studies and their main "take-home messages" on this topic, and hypothesize on the patho-etiologic "common ground" of these 2 diseases.

Subretinal Drusenoid Deposits and Soft Drusen: Are They Markers for Distinct Retinal Diseases?

PURPOSE

Soft drusen and subretinal drusenoid deposits (SDDs) characterize two pathways to advanced age-related macular degeneration (AMD), with distinct genetic risks, serum risks and associated systemic diseases.

METHODS

126 Subjects with AMD were classified as SDD (with or without soft drusen), or non-SDD (drusen only) by retinal imaging, with serum risks, genetic testing, and histories of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and stroke.

RESULTS

There were 62 SDD subjects and 64 non-SDD subjects, 51 total had CVD or stroke.SDD correlated significantly with: lower mean serum HDL (61±18 vs. 69±22 mg/dl, p= 0.038, t test); CVD and stroke (34/51 SDD, p= 0.001, chi square); ARMS2 risk allele (p= 0.019, chi square), but not with CFH risk allele (p = 0.66). Non-SDD (drusen only) correlated/trended with: APOE2 (p= 0.032) and CETP (p= 0.072) risk alleles (chi square). Multivariate independent risks for SDD were: CVD and stroke (p= 0.008), and ARMS2 homozygous risk (p= 0.038).

CONCLUSION

SDD and non-SDD subjects have distinct systemic associations, serum and genetic risks. SDD are associated with CVD and stroke, ARMS2 risk, and lower HDL; non-SDD with higher HDL, CFH risk and two lipid risk genes. These and other distinct associations suggest these lesions are markers for distinct diseases.

Choroidal vascularity index of patients with coronary artery disease

We investigated the changes in subfoveal choroidal thickness and choroidal vascularity index (CVI) and their relationship with the severity of coronary artery stenosis in patients with cardiovascular risk factors and symptoms suggestive of coronary artery disease (CAD). Ninety patients who underwent coronary angiography (CAG) for evaluation of their coronary artery status and cardiac symptoms were included. Forty-two patients showed no evidence of CAD; 31 patients had one to two vessel disease; and 17 had a triple vessel disease. There were no significant differences in the subfoveal choroidal thickness among the three groups; however, the CVI in the triple vessel disease group was lower than those in the other groups. The CVI values were good predictors of the presence of triple-vessel disease (p = 0.020). Multivariate logistic regression analysis results revealed that male sex (odds ratio 5.4, p = 0.049), hypertension (odds ratio 4.9, p = 0.017), and CVI (%, odds ratio 0.8, p = 0.016) were significant factors associated with the presence of triple vessel disease. Although CVI may not be a sensitive marker for detecting early changes in the coronary artery, it may be helpful in indicating severe CAD.

The Influence of Coronary Heart Disease on Retinal Electrophysiological Examination (Full-field, Pattern and Multifocal Electroretinograms)

PURPOSE

To evaluate the influence of coronary heart disease (CHD) on retinal function using a battery of electrophysiological measures.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We conducted a prospective pilot study comparing 34 patients with a confirmed diagnosis of CHD with 21 healthy participants. Further inclusion criteria were a decimal visual acuity (VA) of 0.8 or better and patient age between 40 and 80 years. All participants were divided into three groups according to the severity of CHD (1, 2 or 3 vessels involved) and one healthy control group. Testing was performed on one eye per patient, either selecting the eye with higher VA or, when equal, selecting randomly. The test procedure consisted of a pattern electroretinogram (ERG), a full-field ERG, a multifocal ERG and an ophthalmic screening examination.

RESULTS

Implicit times of the b-wave measured using scotopic full-field ERG were significantly prolonged in all CHD patient groups (p < .000). Thus, full-field ERG allowed clinicians to differentiate between healthy patients and those suffering from CHD. The multifocal ERG showed significantly different results concerning the amplitude density (p < .008) in each patient group compared with the control group. CHD had a significant impact on cone-pathway function, although the severity of CHD did not correlate with functional deficiencies of cone cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Confirmed coronary vascular diseases are correlated with macular cone and bipolar cell function, which can be detected by measuring electrophysiological retinal signals.

Choroidal thickness in patients with systemic arterial hypertension: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background:

The global burden of hypertension is constantly increasing with adverse cardiovascular and ocular sequelae. The association between elevated blood pressure and choroidal thickness (CT), as assessed via optical coherence tomography (OCT), is poorly understood.

Objectives and Design:

Studies including hypertensive adults and normotensive controls undergoing OCT were evaluated for inclusion in this meta-analysis. The primary endpoint was CT difference between hypertensive and normotensive adults.

Data Sources and Methods:

We conducted a systematic review and after searching 1011 results from MEDLINE, ClinicalTrials.gov, medRxiv and Cochrane Library, six studies were deemed eligible and were pooled according to a random-effect model.

Results:

A statistically significant reduction in choroidal thickness was found in hypertensive adults ( n = 454) as compared with normotensive controls ( n = 365) [mean difference: −0.77; 95% confidence intervals: (−1.20, −0.34); p = 0.0004]. The main limitations of this meta-analysis are the relatively small population included and the high statistical heterogeneity ( I2 = 87%) among the various studies. Of note, after excluding one study the heterogeneity was markedly reduced.

Conclusion:

Choroidal thickness is reduced among hypertensive subjects compared with normotensive controls. This finding mandates further examination in the context of long-term clinical outcomes.

Is there any connection between choroidal thickness and obesity?

Obesity is a health-threatening and epidemic medical condition that can affect individuals of different ages and is potentially associated with an increased risk of systemic and ocular disorders. Despite the well-documented adverse effects of obesity on different parts of the body vasculature, less published data are available concerning obesity-related consequences on the ocular vasculature. As the human choroid is a highly vascularized tissue, its morphology and function might be altered in obese individuals. The micro-structural changes within the choroid could also trigger development of subsequent functional abnormalities of the eye. Previous population-based studies have asserted an association between obesity and choroidal thickness; however, they reported conflicting patterns of association between obesity and changes in choroidal thickness. Therefore, to enhance our understanding of the changes in choroidal morphology secondary to obesity, we reviewed studies describing the micro-structural consequences of obesity on the choroidal thickness profile and its underlying physiological and anatomical basis. This review includes all original publications related to the association between choroidal thickness and obesity published until mid-2021 that were indexed in PubMed, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, or Scopus.

Choroidal Thickness in Relation to Bone Mineral Density with Swept-Source Optical Coherence Tomography

Purpose

To assess whether bone mineral density, indicated by the lumbar X-ray scan, is related to changes in choroid thickness in normal subjects.

Methods

This study included 355 patients with decreased bone mineral density and 355 age- and sex-matched healthy subjects. Lumbar BMD was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Choroidal thickness was measured using swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT). Blood pressure (BP), cholesterol, triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) were recorded on the same day.

Results

There was a significant difference in average choroidal thickness between low BMD subjects and normal subjects (p=0.003). The BP, cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL, and LDL showed no significant difference between the two groups. The correlations showed that average choroidal thicknesses were associated with BMD in the entire population (r = 0.125, p=0.001).

Conclusion

The choroidal thickness is thinner in low BMD populations compared with normal individuals. There is a strong positive correlation of choroidal thickness with BMD, regardless of age, sex, and other demographic and clinical factors.

Increased Systemic C-Reactive Protein Is Associated With Choroidal Thinning in Intermediate Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Purpose

C-reactive protein (CRP) and decreased choroidal thickness (CT) are risk factors for progression to advanced age-related macular degeneration (AMD). We examined the association between systemic levels of CRP and CT in patients with intermediate AMD (iAMD).

Methods

Patients with iAMD in the Colorado AMD Registry were included. Baseline serum samples and multimodal imaging including spectral domain–optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT), fundus photography, and autofluorescence were obtained. Medical and social histories were surveyed. CT was obtained by manual segmentation of OCT images. High-sensitivity CRP levels were quantified in serum samples. Univariate and multivariable linear regression models accounting for the intrasubject correlation of two eyes were fit using log-transformed CT as the outcome.

Results

The study included 213 eyes from 107 patients with a mean age of 76.8 years (SD, 6.8). Median CT was 200.5 µm (range, 86.5–447.0). Median CRP was 1.43 mg/L (range, 0.13–17.10). Higher CRP was associated with decreased CT in the univariate model (P = 0.01). Older age and presence of reticular pseudodrusen (RPD) were associated with decreased CT (P < 0.01), whereas gender, body mass index, and smoking were not associated with CT. Higher CRP remained significantly associated with decreased CT after adjustment for age and RPD (P = 0.01).

Conclusions

Increased CRP may damage the choroid, leading to choroidal thinning and increased risk of progression to advanced AMD. Alternatively, CRP may be a marker for inflammatory events that mediate ocular disease. The results of this study further strengthen the association between inflammation and AMD.

Translational Relevance

Increased CRP is associated with choroidal thinning, a clinical risk factor for AMD.

Macro and microangiopathy related to retinopathy and choroidopathy in type 2 diabetes

PURPOSE

To describe the relationship between diabetic retinopathy (DR) and choroidal thickness (CT), and systemic macro and microangiopathy in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D).

METHODS

Cross-sectional study enrolling 200 eyes (100 T2D naïve patients) without macular edema. DR was graded and swept-source optical coherence tomography Triton DRI (Topcon) was used to measure CT, which gave automatic measurements in ETDRS grid. An endocrinologist examined all the patients and searched in their medical records for data about macro and microangiopathy: ischemic cardiopathy (IC), cerebrovascular accident (CVA), peripheral artery disease (PAD), nephropathy, and peripheral polyneuropathy (PPN).

RESULTS

Mean age was 67.38 ± 8.15 years, mean axial length was 23.26 ± 0.09 mm, and mean IOP was 16.75 ± 3.06 mmHg. Sixty eyes had no DR, 46 had mild, 64 had moderate, 20 had severe, and 10 had proliferative DR. IC was correlated with horizontal choroidal zones (p < 0.05 and η between 0.16 and 0.21) but not with DR (p = 0.16). CVA was neither correlated with CT (p > 0.05) nor with DR (p = 0.39). PAD was not correlated with CT (p > 0.05) but it was with DR (p = 0.03). The type of nephropathy was correlated both with CT in vertical sectors (p < 0.05 and η between 0.15 and 0.27) and DR (p = 0.01, τ = 0.24). PPN was not correlated with CT (p > 0.05) but it was with DR (p = 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

DR is correlated with microangiopathy (nephropathy and PPN) but not with macroangiopathy (IC, CVA, and PAD). CT is mildly correlated with nephropathy and IC. Some choroidal regions are more sensitive than others to each diabetic macro and microvascular manifestation.

Subfoveal choroidal thickness in ipsi- and contralateral eyes of patients with carotid stenosis before and after carotid endarterectomy: a prospective study

PURPOSE

To compare subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT) and associated clinical variables in patients with carotid stenosis (CS) before and 6 months after carotid endarterectomy (CEA).

METHODS

The prospective non-randomized Helsinki Carotid Endarterectomy Study - Brain and Eye Sub-sTudy included seventy patients (81% male, mean age 69 years) and 40 control subjects (77% male, 68 years), from March 2015 to December 2018. Ophthalmological examination included SFCT measured with enhanced-depth imaging-optical coherence tomography. Carotid stenosis (CS) was more severe (≥70% stenosis in 92%) ipsilateral to the CEA than contralaterally (<50% stenosis in 74%; p < 0.001).

RESULTS

At baseline, patients had thinner mean SFCT than control subjects in both eyes (ipsilateral, 222 versus 257 μm and contralateral, 217 versus 258 μm, p ≤ 0.005). At follow-up, SFCT did not change in ipsi- and contralateral eyes compared to baseline in patients (p = 0.68 and p = 0.77), or in control subjects (p = 0.59 and p = 0.79). Patients with coronary artery disease had thinner mean SFCT versus those without it in ipsilateral eyes before CEA (200 versus 233 μm, p = 0.027). In ipsilateral eyes of patients before CEA, thinner SFCT and ocular signs of CS, plaque and hypoperfusion related findings combined, were associated (p = 0.036), and the best-corrected visual acuity, measured in logMAR, increased with increasing SFCT (r = -0.25; p = 0.046).

CONCLUSIONS

Subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT) is thinner in patients with CS without association between SFCT and the grade of CS. Unchanged SFCT after CEA suggests, that choroidal vessels in severe CS are unable to react to increased blood flow. Bilaterally thin SFCT could be considered as yet another sign of CS.

The impact of vascular risk factors on the thickness and volume of the choroid in AMD patients

Disturbances in choroidal microcirculation may lead to the onset and progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). We aimed to assess changes in the choroidal volume and thickness in the macular region in AMD eyes and to investigate whether coexisting vascular risk factors alter choroidal status. We enrolled 354 AMD patients (175 dry, 179 wet AMD) and 121 healthy controls. All participants underwent a complete ophthalmologic examination and assessment of choroidal thickness and volume. A multivariate analysis adjusted for age, sex, and smoking status revealed that wet AMD was an independent factor associated with higher average thickness of the central ring area (ATC) and average volume of the central ring area (AVC) and lower choroidal vascularity index (CVI) compared to controls (β =  + 0.18, p = 0.0007, β =  + 0.18, p = 0.0008, respectively) and to dry AMD (β =  + 0.17, p = 0.00003 for both ATC and AVC and β =  - 0.30 p < 0.0001 for CVI). ATC, AVC and average volume (AV) were lower in AMD patients with hypertension and ischaemic heart disease (IHD). The duration of hypertension was inversely correlated with ATC, AVC and AV (Rs =  - 0.13, p < 0.05; Rs =  - 0.12; p < 0.05, Rs =  - 0.12; p < 0.05, respectively) while IHD duration negatively correlated with AV (Rs =  - 0.15, p < 0.05). No such associations were observed in the control group. Our findings show that the choroidal vascular system in eyes with AMD is much more susceptible to damage in the presence than in the absence of systemic vascular disease.

Choroidal thickness changes in children with chronic heart failure due to dilated cardiomyopathy

PURPOSE

To evaluate choroidal thickness (CTh) in children with chronic heart failure (CHF) secondary to dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) using spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and to compare their values to those of healthy children.

METHODS

Sixty eyes of thirty children (mean age 9.9 ± 3.57 years) with chronic heart failure (left ventricular ejection fraction, LVEF ≤ 55%) due to DCM lasting for over 6 months were prospectively enrolled. The control group consisted of 30 age- (mean age 10.16 ± 3.42 years) and sex-matched healthy children. All participants underwent transthoracic echocardiography with LVEF measured using the Simpson method and had the blood serum level of N-terminal-pro-brain natriuretic peptide marker (NT-proBNP) determined. All children underwent SD-OCT and had subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCTh) and CTh measured at 1500 µm (μm) nasally, temporally, superiorly and inferiorly from the fovea in both eyes by two investigators.

RESULTS

CTh at all locations was statistically significantly lower in children with DCM compared to the control group. Mean CTh in the group with CHF compared to the control group were (304.03 vs. 369.72 μm, p < 0.05) at the subfoveal location, (245.87 vs. 284 μm, p < 0.05) 1500 μm nasally from the fovea, (291.5 vs. 355.95 μm, p < 0.05) 1500 μm temporally from the fovea, (303.98 vs. 357.58 μm, p < 0.05) 1500 μm superiorly from the fovea and (290.92 vs. 344.96 μm, p < 0.05) 1500 μm inferiorly from the fovea. The average difference CTh between the study groups ranged from 38.13 to 65.69 μm at individual locations. In both groups, CTh was the thickest at subfoveal location (304.03 vs. 369.72 μm, p < 0.05) and the thinnest was 1500 μm nasally from the fovea (262.37 vs. 336.87 μm, p < 0.05). There was no correlation between CTh and age, gender, biometry and refractive error. No correlation was found between CTh and LVEF and NT-proBNP.

CONCLUSION

Patients with CHF due to DCM had a thinner CTh at all measured locations. The results of our research indicate that CHF affects CTh and this parameter may be very helpful in monitoring the clinical course of the disease in children with DCM.

Comparison of choroidal thicknesses in patients with coronary artery disease and patients at risk of coronary artery disease

PURPOSE

The study aimed to compare choroidal thicknesses (CTh) in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and patients at risk of coronary artery disease and investigate whether thinning of the choroid can be used as a biomarker for development of coronary artery disease in patients at risk.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study group was composed of 103 eyes of 53 patients with coronary artery disease, and the control group was composed of 62 eyes of 32 patients with diabetes mellitus, hypertension and/or hyperlipidemia without coronary artery disease. CAD was diagnosed in patients with one of the following: myocardial infarction with/without ST segment elevation, clinically proven history of cardiac catheterization testifying greater than 50% obstruction in at least one coronary artery, revascularization operations. The control group consisted of clinically proven patients with normal coronary arteries. The choroidal thickness was measured with enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography under the fovea and at six other points, located at 500 micron, 1000 micron and 1500 micron nasal to the fovea and 500 micron, 1000 micron, 1500 micron temporal to the fovea.

RESULTS

The subfoveal choroidal thickness was significantly thinner in the coronary artery disease group compared to the control group (244 µm vs. 289 µm; p < 0,001). In all other measured regions (nasal 500, nasal 1000, nasal 1500, temporal 500, temporal 1000, and temporal 1500 micron), CTh was statistically significant thinner in the CAD group. A negative significant linear relationship (low level) between CAD duration and choroidal thickness in the subfoveal, nasal 1000, nasal 1500, temporal 500, temporal 1000 micron regions was detected.

CONCLUSION

Patients with CAD have a decreased choroidal thickness compared to patients at risk of CAD. Detection of CTh thinning in a patient with diseases, such as diabetes, hypertension and/or hypercholesterolemia, which pose a risk for CAD may be a predictor of development of coronary artery disease. Clinical Trials Registration Kocaeli Derince Training and Research Hospital ethics committee-protocol number: 2020-106.

Relationship of choroidal thickness with pulsatile hemodynamics in essential hypertensive patients

Controversy exists about the association of choroidal thickness (CTh) with blood pressure (BP) values. There is some evidence suggesting that central hemodynamics changes are associated with microvascular disease. Our study was aimed to assess the relationships between CTh and clinic and 24‐h BP and between CTh and estimated 24‐h aortic pulse pressure (aPP), 24‐h aortic systolic BP (aSBP), and 24‐h aortic augmentation index (aAIx) in a group of hypertensive patients. We enrolled 158 hypertensive subjects (mean age 48 ± 13 years) all of which underwent evaluation of the choroidal district by Swept‐Source optical coherence tomography (SS‐OCT) and 24‐h BP monitoring, in order to measure peripheral BP and to estimate central hemodynamic parameters. Inverse significant correlations of clinic PP, 24‐h aPP, 24‐h aSBP, and 24‐h aAIx with thicknesses of central ring, inner ring, and outer ring of the choroid and its overall average were found. The strongest of these correlations was that relating 24‐h aPP with overall average choroidal thickness (r = −.531; P < .001). When we divided the study population in subjects with 24‐h aPP above and below the median value (35 mm Hg), CTh were thinner in subjects with higher values of 24‐aPP as compared to those with lower ones, even after adjustment for age, and other potential confounders. The relationships of CTh with 24‐h aPP remained significant also taking into account the effects of various covariates in linear multiple regression analyses. Our findings support the concept of a cross‐talk between macro‐ and microcirculation.

Comparison of subfoveal choroidal thickness and retinal nerve fiber layer thickness in patients with coronary slow flow phenomenon and microvascular angina: Optical coherence tomography based study

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT) and peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (pRNFLT) in patients with microvascular angina (MA), coronary slow flow phenomenon (CSFP) and healthy controls.

METHODS

Thirty-two consecutive patients with MA, 35 consecutive patients with CSFP and 40 age and sex-matched controls were enrolled. SFCT, average pRNFLT and four quadrants of pRNFLT were measured by spectral domain- optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT).

RESULTS

The mean SCFT in patients with CSFP (267.57 ± 30.61 μm) was significantly thinner than those of patients with MA (288.84 ± 28.25 μm) and control (291.21 ± 31.75 μm) (p = 0.002) while SFCT of patients with MA were similar with those of controls. Patients with CSFP had thinner superior and inferior pRNFLT compared to patients with MA and controls (p < 0.001 and p = 0.005, respectively) while there were no significant differences in average pRNFLT, nasal and temporal quadrant of pRNFLTs among three groups. In the multivariate linear regression analyses, the presence of CSFP was found negatively correlated with SFCT and superior pRNFLT.

CONCLUSION

Patients with CSFP had thinner SFCT, superior and inferior quadrants of pRNFLT proposing the presence of a generalized endothelial dysfunction and increased microvascular resistance in these patients.

Subretinal Deposits in Pre-eclampsia and Malignant Hypertension: Implications for Age-Related Macular Degeneration

PURPOSE

To describe the incidence of subretinal deposits that are similar in structure and stage on OCT imaging to subretinal drusenoid deposits (SDDs) in age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in patients with hypertensive choroidopathy secondary to severe pre-eclampsia and malignant hypertension (MHT) and the implications of this ischemic choroidopathy for the pathophysiologic characteristics of SDDs in AMD.

DESIGN

Retrospective cross-sectional study.

PARTICIPANTS

Thirty-three pre-eclampsia patients and 25 MHT patients with serous retinal detachment (SRD) in at least 1 eye were included.

METHODS

Serial multimodal images, including enhanced depth imaging spectral-domain OCT of eyes with hypertensive choroidopathy secondary to pre-eclampsia and MHT, were reviewed at 2 time points, the acute phase (within 4 weeks of initial hypertensive insult) and the recovery phase (beyond 4 weeks).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Incidence of SDD-like lesions in patients with hypertensive choroidopathy secondary to pre-eclampsia and MHT.

RESULTS

Subretinal drusenoid deposit-like lesions were observed exclusively in eyes with SRD. Serous retinal detachment occurred in 87.87% of eyes of pre-eclampsia patients and in 94% of eyes of MHT patients. Subretinal drusenoid deposit-like lesions occurred in 28.57% of all eyes with SRD, in 32.76% of eyes with SRD from the pre-eclampsia group, and in 23.40% of eyes with SRD from the MHT group. Vascular imaging suggested underlying choroidal ischemia in all patients (12 eyes) in which it was performed.

CONCLUSIONS

Choroidal ischemia may be the underlying mechanism of SDD-like lesions in patients with pre-eclampsia and MHT choroidopathy. These findings potentially are of utmost importance in understanding the mechanism of the reticular macular disease subtype of AMD. Reticular macular disease is characterized by the known association of choroidal insufficiency and SDD, with choroidal insufficiency postulated, but not proven, to be causative. Pre-eclampsia and MHT choroidopathy seems to be a model for lesions similar to SDD in AMD developing based on choroidal insufficiency and, as such, may offer further insights into the pathoetiologic features of SDD in AMD.

Physiological changes in retinal layers thicknesses measured with swept source optical coherence tomography

PURPOSE

To evaluate the physiological changes related with age of all retinal layers thickness measurements in macular and peripapillary areas in healthy eyes.

METHODS

Wide protocol scan (with a field of view of 12x9 cm) from Triton SS-OCT instrument (Topcon Corporation, Japan) was performed 463 heathy eyes from 463 healthy controls. This protocol allows to measure the thickness of the following layers: Retina, Retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL), Ganglion cell layer (GCL +), GCL++ and choroid. In those layers, mean thickness was compared in four groups of ages: Group 1 (71 healthy subjects aged between 20 and 34 years); Group 2 (65 individuals aged 35-49 years), Group 3 (230 healthy controls aged 50-64 years) and Group 4 (97 healthy subjects aged 65-79 years).

RESULTS

The most significant thinning of all retinal layers occurs particularly in the transition from group 2 to group 3, especially in temporal superior quadrant at RNFL, GCL++ and retinal layers (p≤0.001), and temporal superior, temporal inferior, and temporal half in choroid layer (p<0.001). Curiously group 2 when compared with group 1 presents a significant thickening of RNFL in temporal superior quadrant (p = 0.001), inferior (p<0.001) and temporal (p = 0.001) halves, and also in nasal half in choroid layer (p = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Excepting the RNFL, which shows a thickening until the third decade of life, the rest of the layers seem to have a physiological progressive thinning.

Is arterial stiffness in the carotid artery associated with choroidal thinning in patients with pseudoxanthoma elasticum or controls?

PURPOSE

Patients with pseudoxanthoma elasticum (PXE) develop calcification of Bruch's membrane (BM) and choroidal thinning, as well as calcification of intracranial arteries, leading to arterial stiffness. We investigated whether arterial stiffness is associated with choroidal thinning in PXE patients, besides the presumed effect of BM calcification.

METHODS

Cross-sectional study with 75 PXE patients and 40 controls. Macular choroidal thickness was measured using optical coherence tomography scans. Functional magnetic resonance imaging was used to calculate the pulsatility index (PI) of the carotid siphon as a measure of arterial stiffness. Associations between PI and choroidal thickness were investigated using linear mixed effects models adjusted for age and ocular axial length. Furthermore, we investigated choroidal thickness in relation to the presence of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) atrophy, its topographical distribution and age.

RESULTS

Median age was 58 years (IQR 53-66) in PXE patients and 62 years (IQR 56-67) in controls (p = 0.08). Pseudoxanthoma elasticum (PXE) patients had a thinner choroid than controls (138 μm versus 248 μm, p < 0.01). No association was observed between PI and choroidal thickness in PXE patients (β = -1.6, 95% CI -59.4 to 54.5) nor in controls (β =-47.6, 95% CI -129.7 to 31.9). In PXE patients, RPE atrophy was associated with a thinner choroid (p < 0.01). Also, the nasal choroid was thinner than the temporal choroid, and choroidal thickness already decreased with age in PXE eyes without RPE atrophy.

CONCLUSION

There was no independent association between measures of arterial stiffness and choroidal thinning in PXE patients and controls. Probably, changes in BM lead to choroidal thinning in PXE.

The eye, the kidney, and cardiovascular disease: old concepts, better tools, and new horizons

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is common, with hypertension and diabetes mellitus acting as major risk factors for its development. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide and the most frequent end point of CKD. There is an urgent need for more precise methods to identify patients at risk of CKD and cardiovascular disease. Alterations in microvascular structure and function contribute to the development of hypertension, diabetes, CKD, and their associated cardiovascular disease. Homology between the eye and the kidney suggests that noninvasive imaging of the retinal vessels can detect these microvascular alterations to improve targeting of at-risk patients. Retinal vessel-derived metrics predict incident hypertension, diabetes, CKD, and cardiovascular disease and add to the current renal and cardiovascular risk stratification tools. The advent of optical coherence tomography (OCT) has transformed retinal imaging by capturing the chorioretinal microcirculation and its dependent tissue with near-histological resolution. In hypertension, diabetes, and CKD, OCT has revealed vessel remodeling and chorioretinal thinning. Clinical and preclinical OCT has linked retinal microvascular pathology to circulating and histological markers of injury in the kidney. The advent of OCT angiography allows contrast-free visualization of intraretinal capillary networks to potentially detect early incipient microvascular disease. Combining OCT's deep imaging with the analytical power of deep learning represents the next frontier in defining what the eye can reveal about the kidney and broader cardiovascular health.

Evaluation of Peripapillary and Subfoveal Choroid Thickness in Asymptomatic Carotid Artery Stenosis

Objective

In this study, it aims to investigate the effect of asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis on peripapillary and subfoveal choroid thickness using enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography.

Patients and Methods

While investigating for coronary artery disease, 76 patients with asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis and 35 patients with normal carotid artery (total = 111) were evaluated. Patients according to the degree of stenosis were divided into four categories as non-stenosis (n = 35), mild (n = 26), moderate (n = 27) and severe stenosis (n = 23). Subfoveal and peripapillary choroid thickness, ocular perfusion and intraocular pressures of all patients were measured using a Fourier-domain optical coherence tomography after general ophthalmological examination. In addition, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and whether there is a relationship between smoking status and choroid thickness was compared.

Results

As the degree of carotid artery stenosis increased, subfoveal and peripapillary choroidal thickness decreased significantly. However, no changes were detected in ocular perfusion and intraocular pressure values (p=0.935, p=0.519). Decrease in peripapillary and subfoveal choroid thickness values was found to be particularly between the group with severe stenosis and the group with control and mild stenosis (p = 0.003, p = 0.001). In addition, as the degree of carotid stenosis increased in patients with hypertension and smoking, peripapillary choroid thickness was found to be thinner (p=0.003).

Conclusion

We believe that the possibility of carotid artery stenosis should be considered in cases with decreased choroid thickness. In addition, we think that even if it is asymptomatic, in cases with severe carotid stenosis, in the presence of choroidal thinning, a chance of surgical intervention should be given to the stenosis.

Choroidal thickness is associated with renal hemodynamics in essential hypertension

The choroid is the most vascularized structure of the eye and plays a central role in the development of the retinal vascular changes that occur in arterial hypertension. Changes of choroidal thickness (ChT) assessed by optical coherence tomography (OCT) technology could reflect the vascular complications of hypertension. Also, intrarenal hemodynamic damage, associated with endothelial dysfunction, demonstrated to be a good indicator of systemic morphofunctional arterial impairment. The aim of this study is to assess the relationship between ChT and renal hemodynamics in subjects with essential hypertension. Routine laboratory tests, clinical history, and physical examination, including blood pressure assessment, were performed in 90 subjects with essential hypertension. All patients underwent Doppler ultrasonographic evaluation of intra-renal hemodynamics and OCT imaging to assess ChT. When subjects were divided in two groups based on renal resistive index (RRI), group I (RRI ≥ 75% percentile) showed significantly lower values of ChT than group II (RRI < 75% percentile) (P < .001). When divided in two groups based on the ChT median values, patients with lower ChT had significantly higher RRI values than those with ChT above the median values (P < .05). In multivariate model including age, eGFR, and other variables as confounding factors, RRI ≥ 75% was independently associated with ChT. ChT was significantly correlated with renal resistive index in subjects with essential hypertension, confirmed in multivariate analyses. This result could be referred to changes in vascular elastic properties that occur in retinal and intrarenal vascular system probably due to oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction commonly found in early complications of hypertension.

Analysis of central macular thickness and choroidal thickness changes in patients with cardiovascular risk factors

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to evaluate central macular thickness (CMT) and choroidal thickness (CT) in the eyes of patients with cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF).

METHODS

A cross-sectional, prospective observational study of 92 patients with CVRF and 21 healthy individuals was conducted. Patients were divided into four groups according to the SCORE system. CMT was evaluated via spectral-domain-optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). CT at five defined points (subfoveal) [SF] and nasal 500 μm [N0.5] and 1500 μm [N1.5] and 500 μm [T0.5] and temporal 1500 μm [T1.5] from the center of the fovea were measured via enhanced depth imaging (EDI)-OCT.

RESULTS

Mean SFCT at right eyes (RE) and left eyes (LE) were 311.21 ± 77.7 μm and 303.5 ± 49.6 μm, respectively, in patients with mild CVRF (Group 1); 266.5 ± 63.2 μm and 267.0 ± 62.6 μm, respectively, in patients with moderate CVRF (Group 2); 264.7 ± 57.5 μm and 272.3 ± 64.6 μm, respectively, in patients with high CVRF (Group 3); 272.3 ± 64.6 μm and 271.2 ± 63.4 μm, respectively, in patients with very high-risk CVRF (with coronary arterial disease (CAD) (Group 4); and 352.0 ± 74.4 μm and 363.1 ± 89.0 μm, respectively, in the control group. CT (at both eyes) was significantly lower at the subfoveal location in all study groups (P < 0.05), but at nasal and at temporal quadrants of group 3 and group 4 (P < 0.05). No significant difference in CMT was detected between the study and control groups.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated that CVRF might result in a remarkably thinner CT. Furthermore, subretinal drusenoid deposits were detected at a higher rate in the patients with CVRF than controls, and that rate increased in accordance with the severity of CAD. In the future, changes in CT may be used as a promising novel biomarker as part of the SCORE system prior to the development of CAD.

Relationship between Coronary Artery Calcification and Central Chorioretinal Thickness in Patients with Subclinical Atherosclerosis

PURPOSE

To evaluate the relationship between coronary artery calcification and subfoveal thicknesses of individual chorioretinal layers in subjects with subclinical atherosclerosis by using enhanced-depth imaging optical coherence tomography.

METHODS

In this retrospective, noninterventional, cross-sectional study, we included 193 eyes from 193 subjects and divided them into three cardiovascular (CV) risk groups based on coronary artery calcification (CAC) scores calculated from cardiac-gated computed tomography: low (CAC = 0; n = 77), intermediate (CAC = 1-300; n = 83), and high (CAC >300; n = 33). Central macula individual retinal layer thicknesses and subfoveal choroidal thickness were measured and compared among groups. Multivariate linear regression was used to evaluate associations of subfoveal choroidal thickness or central retinal thickness with CAC scores.

RESULTS

Average subfoveal choroidal thickness differed significantly among low, intermediate, and high CV risk groups (all p < 0.05). There were no statistically significant changes in segmented retinal layer thickness of the central macula. Multivariate regression analyses showed that higher CAC scores were significantly negatively associated with subfoveal choroidal thickness (β = -2.169, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Higher CAC scores were significantly associated with subfoveal choroidal thinning in subjects with subclinical atherosclerosis. Prominent reductions in the subfoveal choroidal layer could provide a useful biomarker for predicting CV risk in patients of advanced age with subclinical atherosclerosis.

Choroidal thickness in patients with cardiovascular disease: A review

The choroid is a vascular network that supplies the bulk of the retina's oxygen and nutrient supply. Prior studies have associated changes in the thickness of the choroid with the presence of various cardiovascular diseases. This is the first review that summarizes current knowledge on the relationship between choroidal thickness and cardiovascular diseases while highlighting important findings. Acute hypertension increases choroidal thickness. Chronic hypertension and heart failure may decrease choroidal thickness, but controversy exists. Both coronary artery disease and carotid artery stenosis result in decreased choroidal thickness and blood flow. Carotid endarterectomy may reverse these changes. Choroidal thickening in early stages of carotid stenosis may arise from mechanisms compensating for ischemia. Hyperlipidemia is linked to choroidal thickening, while caffeine intake is linked to choroidal thinning. The effects of smoking and exercise are mixed. Changes in choroidal thickness have been linked to cardiovascular disease. Clarity regarding these changes could lead to the use of choroidal thickness changes as a noninvasive screening or prognostic test for pathological cardiovascular changes. Future studies should also investigate the effect of cardiovascular disease treatments on the choroid.

Microvascular contributions to age-related macular degeneration (AMD): from mechanisms of choriocapillaris aging to novel interventions

Aging of the microcirculatory network plays a central role in the pathogenesis of a wide range of age-related diseases, from heart failure to Alzheimer's disease. In the eye, changes in the choroid and choroidal microcirculation (choriocapillaris) also occur with age, and these changes can play a critical role in the pathogenesis of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). In order to develop novel treatments for amelioration of choriocapillaris aging and prevention of AMD, it is essential to understand the cellular and functional changes that occur in the choroid and choriocapillaris during aging. In this review, recent advances in in vivo analysis of choroidal structure and function in AMD patients and patients at risk for AMD are discussed. The pathophysiological roles of fundamental cellular and molecular mechanisms of aging including oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and impaired resistance to molecular stressors in the choriocapillaris are also considered in terms of their contribution to the pathogenesis of AMD. The pathogenic roles of cardiovascular risk factors that exacerbate microvascular aging processes, such as smoking, hypertension, and obesity as they relate to AMD and choroid and choriocapillaris changes in patients with these cardiovascular risk factors, are also discussed. Finally, future directions and opportunities to develop novel interventions to prevent/delay AMD by targeting fundamental cellular and molecular aging processes are presented.

Systemic and Ocular Determinants of Choroidal Structures on Optical Coherence Tomography of Eyes with Diabetes and Diabetic Retinopathy

Knowledgeof the choroidal structures in eyes with diabetes and diabetic retinopathy (DR) should provide information on the pathogenesis of DR. A prospective study was performed to determine the systemic and ocular factors that affect the choroidal structures in eyes with diabetes. Two-hundred consecutive diabetic subjects consisted of 160 treatment-naïve patients with different stages of DR and 40 patients with proliferative DR with prior panretinal photocoagulation (PRP). All underwent blood and urine tests and enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography (EDI-OCT). The cross-sectional EDI-OCT images of the subfoveal choroid were binarized to measure the total choroidal area (TCA), luminal area, and stromal area. Multivariate regression analyses were performed to determine the systemic and ocular factors that were significantly correlated with the choroidal structures. The subfoveal choroidal thickness, TCA, luminal area, and stromal area were larger at more advanced stage of DR, and smaller in eyes with PRP than those without (P < 0.001). The TCA and stromal area were significantly and positively correlated with the degree of albuminuria (P = 0.034, P = 0.025, respectively). The choroidal lumen and stroma may increase as the stages of DR progress and decrease after PRP. Albuminuria may be associated with the choroidal stromal edema.

Short-term variations of optic coherence tomography findings in mild and severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the short-term changes in subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT), ganglion cell complex (GCC) analysis, and retinal nerve fiber length (RNFL) of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in a 3-month follow-up.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty-eight patients with COPD (96 eyes) and 40 control subjects (80 eyes) were enrolled in our study. COPD patients were grouped according to disease severity as Group 1 (mild-moderate) and Group 2 (advanced). GCC, RNFL, and SFCT analysis by Cirrus SD-OCT were obtained for all eyes, in two consecutive examinations with a 3-month interval.

RESULTS

SFCT in Group 2 was lower than Group 1 and control group in the initial and 3rd month examination (p < 0.001, respectively). Inferior RNFL in Group 2 were lower than control group in the initial and 3rd month examination (p = 0.002, p < 0.001, respectively) Temporal RNFL were lower in Group 2 than Group 1 in 3rd month examination (p = 0.009). Average, superior, superotemporal, inferior, and inferonasal GCC analyses of the Group 2 were lower than control group both in the initial and 3rd month examination (p = 0.001, p < 0.001, respectively) SFCT, average, and superior GCC of Group 2 were significantly reduced during the 3-month follow-up (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Hypoxia is thought to be the underlying mechanism in COPD, which may influence retinal and choroidal OCT parameters. Decrease in blood flow of optic nerve head, increased vascular resistance, and reduced blood flow in choroid may affect the visual ability in these patients, which should be kept in mind during their follow-up.

Choroidal thickness changes in systemic lupus erythematosus patients

Purpose

To compare choroidal thickness (CT) between patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) without ophthalmologic manifestations and a control group. To study the effects in CT of disease duration, activity index, medication and systemic comorbidities.

Methods

Cross-sectional study where spectral-domain optical coherence tomography with enhanced depth imaging was used to measure CT in 13 locations, subfoveally and at 500-µm intervals along a horizontal and a vertical section from the fovea. Linear regression models were used.

Results

Sixty-eight SLE patients and fifty healthy controls were enrolled. CT multivariable analysis revealed lower values in SLE patients (12.93-26.73 µm thinner) in all locations, except the inferior quadrants (6.48-10.44 µm thicker); however, none of these results reached statistical significance. Contrary to the control group, the normal topographic variation in CT between macular quadrants and from the center to the periphery was not observed in the SLE group. Multivariable analysis in the SLE group alone revealed a significant negative association with anticoagulants (50.10-56.09 µm thinner) and lupus nephritis (40.79-58.63 µm thinner). Contrary to controls, the CT of SLE patients did not respond to changes in mean arterial pressure.

Conclusion

CT in SLE appears to be thinner, particularly in the subset of patients with nephritis and taking anticoagulants, suggesting more advanced systemic vascular disease. Choroidal responses to hemodynamic changes may also be altered in SLE.

Choroidal thickness is associated with cardiovascular risk factors and cardiac health: the Gutenberg Health Study

BACKGROUND

Choroidal thickness is associated with several cardiovascular parameters in case-control studies including patients with manifest disease. So far, it was unclear whether underlying cardiovascular risk factors or the continuum of heart failure may lead to alterations of the choroid. Therefore, our hypothesis was to test in a population-based study, whether choroidal thickness is associated with cardiovascular risk factors and heart disease.

METHODS

A population-based cross-sectional study was carried out in Germany. A comprehensive medical examination including assessment of cardiovascular risk factors, echocardiography and ophthalmological examinations with spectral-domain optical coherence tomography of the choroid was performed. Subfoveal choroidal thickness as well as left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and a surrogate marker for left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (E/e') were measured. Linear regression analyses were carried out to determine the relationship between subfoveal choroidal thickness and age, sex, body mass index, systolic blood pressure, dyslipidemia, HbA1c level, hematocrit, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), LVEF, E/e' and left ventricular mass index adjusted for ocular parameters.

RESULTS

1.742 subjects (48% females) with a mean age 59.3 ± 10.6 years were included in this study. Mean subfoveal thickness was 252 ± 77 µm (right eyes) and 255 ± 77 µm (left eyes). Unadjusted linear regression analysis revealed that subfoveal choroidal thickness is associated with sex, age, systolic blood pressure, hematocrit, eGFR, left ventricular end-diastolic pressure, left ventricular mass index (all p < 0.001) and dyslipidemia (p = 0.009). Adjusted linear regression only revealed age as associated parameter (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

We did find evidence for an association between subfoveal choroidal thickness and cardiovascular risk factors which was mediated by aging.

Utility of optical coherence tomography angiography in detecting vascular retinal damage caused by arterial hypertension

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the potential utility of perfusion density measurements to discriminate patients with arterial hypertension by cardiovascular risk category.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, one eye per subject was evaluated (N = 73). The study cohort was divided into three groups according to the clinical criteria established by the European Guidelines for Arterial Hypertension: 26 controls, 24 patients with low cardiovascular risk, and 23 patients with very high cardiovascular risk. All patients were examined using RS-3000 Advance optical coherence tomography angiography to analyze macular and peripapillary perfusion density.

RESULTS

There were no differences among the three risk groups by sex or age. Decreased macular perfusion density was found at the level of the superficial and deep plexuses (p ⩽ 0.047). No differences were observed in peripapillary perfusion density (p = 0.18).

CONCLUSION

Optical coherence tomography angiography can detect changes in macular perfusion density in patients with hypertension and high cardiovascular risk and might represent a supportive imaging method in the evaluation of the cardiovascular risk in hypertensive patients.