Abstract
Purpose :
To investigates the relationship between localized retinal nerve fiber layer defects (RNFLDs) and vascular biomarkers.
Methods :
This study included 1316 subjects registered in the Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disease Etiology Research Center – High Risk Cohort who did not have existing clinical cardiovascular disease. Examined vascular biomarkers included central hemodynamics, carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV), left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) status (as evaluated on electrocardiogram), and coronary artery calcium score (CACS). Fundus photography and optical coherence tomography were used to evaluate RNFLDs. The association between RNFLDs and vessel health were assessed using established high-risk cut-off points for each biomarker (central blood pressure ≥ 125/80 mmHg, central pulse pressure ≥ 50 mmHg, cfPWV ≥ 10 m/s, presence of LVH, and CACS ≥ 300).
Results :
An RNFLD was identified in 394 subjects (29.9%). These subjects had a higher fasting glucose, lower renal function, and higher blood pressure than subjects without RNFLDs. Additionally, central blood pressure, central pulse pressure, cfPWV, CACS, and the percentage of LVH-positive subjects were higher in the RNFLD group. After adjusting for blood pressure, RNFLDs were not associated with LVH or an elevated central blood pressure, central pulse pressure, or cfPWV. However, they were associated with an elevated CACS (odds ratio = 1.44, 95% confidence interval = 1.04-2.00, p = 0.029).
Conclusions :
Non-glaucomatous localized RNFLDs are associated with elevated CACS independent of blood pressure. Therefore, evaluating RNFLDs with fundus imaging may be useful for assessing cardiovascular disease risk.
This abstract was presented at the 2019 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in Vancouver, Canada, April 28 - May 2, 2019.