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Wolf E, Wicklein R, Aly L, Schmaderer C, Afzali AM, Mardin C, Korn T, Hemmer B, Hofauer B, Knier B. Optical coherence tomography angiography suggests different retinal pathologies in multiple sclerosis and Sjögren's syndrome. J Neurol 2024:10.1007/s00415-024-12414-0. [PMID: 38743089 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-024-12414-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND While retinal vessel changes are evident in the eyes of patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS), changes in the vasculature of possible MS mimics such as primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) remain to be determined. We investigated the potential of retinal optical coherence tomography (OCT) angiography (OCTA) as diagnostic tool to differentiate between patients with RRMS and pSS. METHODS This cross-sectional study included patients with RRMS (n = 36), pSS (n = 36) and healthy controls (n = 30). Participants underwent clinical examination, assessment of visual acuity, retinal OCT, OCTA, and serum markers of glial and neuronal damage. We investigated the associations between OCTA parameters, visual functions, and serum markers. Eyes with a history of optic neuritis (ON) were excluded from analysis. RESULTS We observed a significant thinning of the combined ganglion cell and inner plexiform layer in the eyes of patients with RRMS but not with pSS, when compared to healthy controls. Retinal vessel densities of the superficial vascular complex (SVC) were reduced in both patients with RRMS and pSS. However, retinal vessel rarefication of the deep vascular complex (DVC) was only evident in patients with pSS but not RRMS. Using multivariate regression analysis, we found that DVC vessel loss in pSS patients was associated with worse visual acuity. CONCLUSIONS Compared to patients with RRMS, rarefication of deep retinal vessels is a unique characteristic of pSS and associated with worse visual function. Assuming a disease-specific retinal vessel pathology, these data are indicative of a differential affliction of the gliovascular complex in the retina of RRMS and pSS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth Wolf
- Department of Neurology, Klinikum Rechts Der Isar, TUM School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Rebecca Wicklein
- Department of Neurology, Klinikum Rechts Der Isar, TUM School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Lilian Aly
- Department of Neurology, Klinikum Rechts Der Isar, TUM School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Christoph Schmaderer
- Department of Nephrology, Klinikum Rechts Der Isar, TUM School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Ali Maisam Afzali
- Department of Neurology, Klinikum Rechts Der Isar, TUM School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Christian Mardin
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Thomas Korn
- Department of Neurology, Klinikum Rechts Der Isar, TUM School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Institute for Experimental Neuroimmunology, TUM School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Munich Cluster of Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Munich, Germany
| | - Bernhard Hemmer
- Department of Neurology, Klinikum Rechts Der Isar, TUM School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Munich Cluster of Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Munich, Germany
| | - Benedikt Hofauer
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, Klinikum Rechts Der Isar, TUM School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, Tirol Kliniken, Universitätskliniken Innsbruck, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Benjamin Knier
- Department of Neurology, Klinikum Rechts Der Isar, TUM School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany.
- Department of Neurology, Diakonie-Klinkum Schwäbisch Hall, Schwäbisch Hall, Germany.
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Foti R, Zeppieri M, Foti R, Visalli E, Amato G, Amato R, Dammino E, D’Esposito F, Gagliano C. Retinal Vascular Abnormalities and Clinical Parameters in Systemic Sclerosis. J Clin Med 2024; 13:2738. [PMID: 38792282 PMCID: PMC11122651 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13102738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Systemic sclerosis is a complex autoimmune disease characterized by vasculopathy, fibrosis, and immune dysregulation. Ocular manifestations in these patients are increasingly recognized, suggesting potential correlations between systemic vascular abnormalities and ocular microvascular changes. Advancements in molecular immunology and imaging technology using ocular coherence tomography (OCT) have unveiled intricate pathways underlying possible disease pathogenesis. Understanding the interplay between retinal vascular abnormalities and molecular immunology parameters could provide insights into disease mechanisms and potential biomarkers. Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate vascular abnormalities, detected with optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A), in systemic sclerosis patients and to find correlations between the severity of the disease detected with molecular immunology findings and OCT-A parameters. Methods: A group of 32 systemic sclerosis patients were compared with 9 healthy controls. Ganglion cell complex thickness (GCC), retina thickness of the fovea and parafovea, nerve fiber layer thickness (RNFL) and cup/disc area ratio were investigated using OCT. Vessel density (VD) of the superficial (SCP) and deep capillary plexus (DCP) of the whole macular area and ETDRS grid, size of the foveal avascular zone (FAZ) and vessel density of the radial peripapillary capillary plexus (RPCP) were evaluated using OCT-A. Modified Rodnan skin score (mRSS), capillaroscopy and disease duration were used to stage disease severity. Results: There was a statistically significant reduction in retina thickness of the fovea and parafovea, VD of the whole DCP, VD of the SCP and DCP in ETDRS grid in the patient group compared to controls (p < 0.001). The patients presented a significant enlargement of the FAZ (p 0.005). No significant correlation between OCT and OCT-A parameters and disease severity scores was found. Conclusions: OCT-A could represent a non-invasive tool to detect retinal microvascular damage in systemic sclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosario Foti
- Rheumatology Unit, Policlinico San Marco Hospital, 95121 Catania, Italy; (R.F.)
| | - Marco Zeppieri
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy
| | - Roberta Foti
- Rheumatology Unit, Policlinico San Marco Hospital, 95121 Catania, Italy; (R.F.)
| | - Elisa Visalli
- Rheumatology Unit, Policlinico San Marco Hospital, 95121 Catania, Italy; (R.F.)
| | - Giorgio Amato
- Rheumatology Unit, Policlinico San Marco Hospital, 95121 Catania, Italy; (R.F.)
| | - Roberta Amato
- Eye Clinic, Catania University, San Marco Hospital, Viale Carlo Azeglio Ciampi, 95121 Catania, Italy (C.G.)
| | - Edoardo Dammino
- Eye Clinic, Catania University, San Marco Hospital, Viale Carlo Azeglio Ciampi, 95121 Catania, Italy (C.G.)
| | - Fabiana D’Esposito
- Imperial College Ophthalmic Research Group (ICORG) Unit, Imperial College, London NW1 5QH, UK
| | - Caterina Gagliano
- Eye Clinic, Catania University, San Marco Hospital, Viale Carlo Azeglio Ciampi, 95121 Catania, Italy (C.G.)
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Enna “Kore”, Piazza dell’Università, 94100 Enna, Italy
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Kiyat P, Karti O, Gercik Ö, Şak T. Choroidal, retinal, and optic nerve changes in rheumatoid arthritis and primary sjogren's syndrome patients: comparıson with each other and healthy subjects. Int Ophthalmol 2024; 44:24. [PMID: 38324105 DOI: 10.1007/s10792-024-02970-9] [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: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE The present study aims to evaluate the optic nerve, macula, and choroidal changes in both rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and primary Sjögren's syndrome (SjS) patients, and to compare these findings with age-matched healthy volunteers. METHODS This study included 46 RA patients, 33 primary SjS patients, and 37 age-matched healthy volunteers. All of the patients underwent a thorough ophthalmological examination, during which measurements of the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL), ganglion cell layer(GCL), and subfoveal choroidal thickness (CT) were taken using OCT (optical coherence tomography). The measurements taken from the right eye of each patient were used to compare among the groups. RESULTS RNFL thickness in superior quadrant was found to be statistically significantly thinner in the eyes with RA when compared to the control group (p = 0.022). In the nasal quadrant, the RNFL thickness was significantly thinner in patients with primary SjS compared to healthy individuals (p = 0.036). Also, the temporal quadrant RNFL was significantly thinner in RA patients than in the primary SjS patients (p = 0.033). GCL thickness was observed to be thinner in all quadrants of both RA and primary SjS groups compared to the control group. However, the difference was not found to be statistically significant. Subfoveal CT was observed to be thicker in RA and SjS groups compared to the control group, but this difference was also not statistically significant. CONCLUSION Systemic autoimmune diseases like RA and primary SjS can lead to a decrease in RNLF and GCL thickness, which can impair visual acuity even in the absence of ocular symptoms. Therefore, monitoring changes in the optic nerve, retina, and choroid layer are crucial in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pelin Kiyat
- Department of Ophthalmology, İzmir Democracy University, Buca Seyfi Demirsoy Training and Research Hospital, Kozağaç Mah., Özmen Sok., No:147, Buca, İzmir, Turkey.
| | - Omer Karti
- Department of Ophthalmology, İzmir Democracy University, Buca Seyfi Demirsoy Training and Research Hospital, Kozağaç Mah., Özmen Sok., No:147, Buca, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Önay Gercik
- Department of Rheumatology, İzmir Democracy University, Buca Seyfi Demirsoy Training and Research Hospital, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Tuncer Şak
- Department of Rheumatology, İzmir Democracy University, Buca Seyfi Demirsoy Training and Research Hospital, İzmir, Turkey
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Xiong J, Peng Y, Yu S, Liu P, Huang B, Kang M, Shao Y, Wu R. Retinal and Conjunctival Vessels in the Diagnosis and Assessment of Behcet's Disease: A New Approach. Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina 2024; 55:13-21. [PMID: 38189804 DOI: 10.3928/23258160-20231107-01] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE The study aimed to investigate the alterations of retinal and conjunctival vessels in patients with Behcet's disease (BD). PATIENTS AND METHODS In this case-control study, 17 patients (34 eyes) diagnosed with BD and 17 healthy volunteers (34 eyes) matched by age, sex, blood pressure, and intraocular pressure were recruited. Optical coherence tomography angiography examinations were performed to calculate the vessel density of the retina and conjunctiva according to different sizes of vessels and different zones divided by three segmentation methods of the retina: hemispheric segmentation, Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study, and central annulus segmentation. RESULTS The vessel densities of the superficial macrovascular (P = 0.050), superficial microvascular (P < 0.001), superficial total microvascular (P < 0.001), deep total microvascular (P < 0.001), and deep total microvascular (P < 0.001) were significantly lower in the BD group. The conjunctival vessel density was significantly higher in the BD group (P < 0.001). The receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that the area under the curve of vessel density of the superior right (0.993, 95% CI 0.980-1) and right zones (0.996, 95% CI 0.987-1) were the largest in the superficial and deep retina, respectively. Otherwise, the area under the curve of conjunctival vessel density was 0.728 (95% CI 0.607-0.848). CONCLUSIONS In patients with BD, retinal vessel density decreases, while conjunctival vessel density increases. Optical coherence tomography angiography provides a new noninvasive and quantitative assessment for retinal and conjunctival vessels. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina 2024;55:13-21.].
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Huang H, Wang XY, Wei H, Kang M, Zou J, Ling Q, Xu SH, Huang H, Chen X, Wang YX, Shao Y, Yu Y. Retinal microvascular and microstructural alterations in the diagnosis of meibomian gland dysfunction in severely obese population: a new approach. Int J Ophthalmol 2023; 16:1977-1985. [PMID: 38111945 PMCID: PMC10700072 DOI: 10.18240/ijo.2023.12.09] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM To study retinal microvascular and microstructural alterations in meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) in severely obese population using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). METHODS Twelve MGD patients with severely obese population (PAT group; 24 eyes) and 12 healthy controls (HC group; 24 eyes) were recruited. OCTA images were segmented into five [superior (S), nasal (N), inferior (I), temporal (T), and central foveal (C)] or nine [inner superior (IS), outer superior (OS), inner nasal (IN), outer nasal (ON), inner inferior (II), outer inferior (OI), inner temporal (IT), outer temporal (OT), and C] subregions. The superficial vessel density (SVD), retinal thickness (RT), foveal avascular zone (FAZ) parameters, and retinal volume were measured. RESULTS Visual acuity was significantly different between two groups (0.8±0.17 in PAT group vs 0.2±0.06 in HC group). SVD was significantly lower in PATs in N, T, OS, IN, OT, and ON. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) for T was 0.961 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.908 to 1.000], for OS was 0.962 (95%CI: 0.915 to 1.000). RT was significantly lower in PATs in IS, OS, OI, OT, ON, IT, IN, and II. AUC for OT was 0.935 (95%CI: 0.870 to 0.999), for IS was 0.915 (95% CI: 0.838 to 0.992). Angiography results showed significantly lower area and perimeter of FAZ, SVD of the inner retina and both retinal volume and the average volume thickness in the PAT group. CONCLUSION Vision may be affected in patients with MGD due to changes in retinal microvessels and microstructures. These changes detected by OCTA may be a potential marker for diagnosing MGD in severe obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hai Huang
- Nanchang Aier Eye Hospital, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Xiao-Yu Wang
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Jiangxi Clinical Research Center for Endocrine and Metabolic Disease, Jiangxi Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Disease, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi Province, China
- The First Clinical Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Hong Wei
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye & ENT Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
- Department of Ophthalmology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Jiangxi Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Disease, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Min Kang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye & ENT Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
- Department of Ophthalmology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Jiangxi Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Disease, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Jie Zou
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye & ENT Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
- Department of Ophthalmology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Jiangxi Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Disease, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Qian Ling
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye & ENT Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
- Department of Ophthalmology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Jiangxi Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Disease, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - San-Hua Xu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye & ENT Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
- Department of Ophthalmology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Jiangxi Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Disease, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Hui Huang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye & ENT Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
- Department of Ophthalmology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Jiangxi Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Disease, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Xu Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht 6200MA, Limburg Province, Netherlands
| | - Yi-Xin Wang
- School of Optometry and Vision Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF244HQ, United Kingdom
| | - Yi Shao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye & ENT Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
- Department of Ophthalmology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Jiangxi Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Disease, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Yao Yu
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Jiangxi Clinical Research Center for Endocrine and Metabolic Disease, Jiangxi Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Disease, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi Province, China
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Huang BZ, Ling Q, Xu SH, Zou J, Zang MM, Liao XL, Wei H, Ying P, Pei CG, Shao Y. Retinal microvascular and microstructural alterations in the diagnosis of dermatomyositis: a new approach. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1164351. [PMID: 37305140 PMCID: PMC10248420 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1164351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose To study the relationship between fundus alterations, including retinal thickness and microvascular changes, and dermatomyositis (DM) using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). Methods A total of 16 patients with DM (32 eyes) and 16 healthy controls (HCs; 32 eyes) participated in this study. Based on the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study subzones, OCTA fundus data were divided into different layers and regions for comparison. Results The full retinal thickness (RT) in the inner nasal (IN), outer nasal (ON), inner inferior (II), and outer inferior (OI) regions of patients with DM was significantly lower than that of HCs (P < 0.001). The inner layer RT was also significantly lower in the IN, ON, II, and OI regions in patients with DM (P < 0.001). The outer layer RT was lower only in the II region in patients with DM compared to HCs (P < 0.001). The full RT of the II region was more sensitive to the pathological changes of disease since its ROC curve had an AUC of 0.9028, 95% CI: 0.8159-0.9898. Meanwhile, the superficial vessel density (SVD) of patients with DM was significantly lower in the IN, ON, II, and OI regions compared to HCs (P < 0.001). The AUC for region II was 0.9634 (95% CI: 0.9034-1.0), which indicated good diagnostic sensitivity. Conclusion Optical coherence tomography angiography can be used to evaluate relevant ocular lesions and monitor disease progression in patients with DM and interstitial lung disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo-Zhi Huang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Qian Ling
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - San-Hua Xu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Jie Zou
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Miao-Miao Zang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Xu-Lin Liao
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Hong Wei
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Ping Ying
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Chong-Gang Pei
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Yi Shao
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
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Shan H, Liu W, Li Y, Pang K. The Autoimmune Rheumatic Disease Related Dry Eye and Its Association with Retinopathy. Biomolecules 2023; 13:724. [PMID: 37238594 PMCID: PMC10216215 DOI: 10.3390/biom13050724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Dry eye disease is a chronic disease of the ocular surface characterized by abnormal tear film composition, tear film instability, and ocular surface inflammation, affecting 5% to 50% of the population worldwide. Autoimmune rheumatic diseases (ARDs) are systemic disorders with multi-organ involvement, including the eye, and play a significant role in dry eye. To date, most studies have focused on Sjögren's syndrome (one of the ARDs) since it manifests as two of the most common symptoms-dry eyes and a dry mouth-and attracts physicians to explore the relationship between dry eye and ARDs. Many patients complained of dry eye related symptoms before they were diagnosed with ARDs, and ocular surface malaise is a sensitive indicator of the severity of ARDs. In addition, ARD related dry eye is also associated with some retinal diseases directly or indirectly, which are described in this review. This review also summarizes the incidence, epidemiological characteristics, pathogenesis, and accompanying ocular lesions of ARD's related dry eye, emphasizing the potential role of dry eye in recognition and monitoring among ARDs patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Kunpeng Pang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
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Fang X, Yu S, Peng Y, Huang B, Kang M, Xiong J, Luo T, Wu R, Shao Y. The Function of Retinal Thickness and Microvascular Alterations in the Diagnosis of Systemic Sclerosis. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 2023:1805938. [PMID: 36874922 PMCID: PMC9977518 DOI: 10.1155/2023/1805938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Revised: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
In this study, we aim to investigate retinal thickness (RT) and superficial vascular density (SVD) differences between patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) and healthy controls (HCs) by optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). Sixteen patients with a definitive SSc diagnosis without clinical signs of retinopathy and 16 normal control subjects were recruited. All individuals underwent OCTA scanning to assess macular RT and SVD. We divided each image into nine subregions as the early treatment diabetic retinopathy study (ETDRS). Visual acuity (VA) was considerably different between patients with SSc (32 eyes) and control subjects (32 eyes) (p < 0.001). Compared to the control group, individuals with SSc had decreased inner RT in inner superior, outer superior, outer temporal, inner temporal, center, and inner nasal regions (p < 0.05). Outer RT was decreased in the outer and inner temporal regions, and full RT was decreased in the regions of outer superior, inner superior, inner temporal, and outer temporal, in comparison to the control group (p < 0.05). Patients with SSc had significant reduction of SVD in the inner and outer of both superior and temporal, besides outer nasal regions than controls. (p < 0.05). Moreover, SVD was significantly associated with the outer temporal region of patients suffering from SSc (p < 0.05). Diagnostic Sensitivity of RT and SVD of Inner Superior Regions in SSc, as indicated by areas under curves of the Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC), were 0.874 (95% CI: 0.786-0.962) and 0.827 (95% CI: 0.704-0.950), respectively. In conclusion, VA may be affected by RT variations inside the macula in patients with SSc. Measuring RT with OCTA could be a useful predictor of early diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xia Fang
- Department of Rheumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006 Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Shujiao Yu
- Department of Rheumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006 Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Yilin Peng
- Department of Rheumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006 Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Bozhi Huang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006 Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Min Kang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006 Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Jiangbiao Xiong
- Department of Rheumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006 Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Ting Luo
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006 Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Rui Wu
- Department of Rheumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006 Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Yi Shao
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006 Jiangxi Province, China
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