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Quantification of changes in foveal capillary architecture caused by idiopathic epiretinal membrane using OCT angiography

Journal Contribution - Journal Article

PURPOSE: To quantify the extent and depth of distortion of the foveal capillary architecture due to traction of an idiopathic epiretinal membrane (ERM) using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A).

METHODS: Multimodal imaging including OCT-A (Angiovue, Optovue) was performed in 42 eyes with idiopathic ERM (72.4 years ±6.8). Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), OCT-A vessel density of the foveal (VDfo) and parafoveal (VDp) region were assessed. Based on 6 × 6-mm2 OCT-A images, a macular vessel density ratio (MVR = VDfo/VDp) was calculated for the superficial (s), deep (d) and full-thickness (f) slabs to assess a depth-resolved, non-invasive evaluation of foveal distortion. The acquired data were subdivided in a patient group with mild and significant BCVA reduction due to ERM. Data was compared to age-matched healthy controls.

RESULTS: In all three slabs, MVR was significantly smaller in the control group in comparison with the ERM group: MVRs: 0.63 ± 0.1 vs 0.83 ± 0.1 (p > 0.001); MVRd: 0.60 ± 0.1 vs 0.73 ± 0.1 (p < 0.001); MVRf: 0.68 ± 0.1 vs 0.82 ± 0.1 (p < 0.001). Group 1 (BCVA <0.4 LogMar) showed a significantly higher MVR in comparison with the control group in the superficial plexus only: MVRs: 0.64 ± 0.1 vs 0.78 ± 0.1 (p < 0.001); MVRd: 0.60 ± 0.1 vs 0.65 ± 0.2 (p = 0.3); MVRf: 0.68 ± 0.1 vs 0.77 ± 0.1 (p = 0.01). However, group 2 (BCVA > = 0.4 LogMar) showed a significantly higher MVR in all three slabs: MVRs: 0.64 ± 0.1 vs 0.86 ± 0.1 (p < 0.001); MVRd: 0.60 ± 0.1 vs 0.77 ± 0.2 (p < 0.001); MVRf: 0.68 ± 0.1 vs 0.85 ± 0.1 (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION: Assessing MVR using OCT-A may serve as a tool to quantify the extent and depth of distortion of the foveal capillary architecture due to traction of ERM. BCVA reduction appears to be associated with extent and depth of distortion.

Journal: Graefe's Archive of Clinical & Experimental Ophthalmology
ISSN: 0721-832X
Issue: 7
Volume: 255
Pages: 1319-1324
Publication year:2017
Keywords:Aged, Capillaries/pathology, Epiretinal Membrane/diagnosis, Female, Fluorescein Angiography/methods, Follow-Up Studies, Fovea Centralis/blood supply, Fundus Oculi, Humans, Male, Prospective Studies, Retinal Vessels/pathology, Tomography, Optical Coherence/methods, Visual Acuity
Accessibility:Closed