Optical coherence tomography angiography and microperimetric findings in non-paraneoplastic autoimmune retinopathy

Abstract

Purpose : In this cross-sectional study, we aim to evaluate optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) and microperimetric findings in non-paraneoplastic autoimmune retinopathy (AIR).

Methods : Ten eyes (6 patients) with a diagnosis of AIR, using the criteria proposed by Sen et al., 2014 , were included along with ten healthy control eyes of five healthy age-matched subjects. Each eye underwent microperimetric evaluation using the CenterVue MAIA device (Padova, Italy) and OCTA examination using RTVue Avanti OCTA (Optovue Inc, Fremont, California, USA). Clinical and demographic data, including OCTA and microperimetry, were analyzed and compared between the 2 groups.

Results : Mean (SD) age for the AIR and control groups was 44.2 ± 25.2 and 37.2 ± 22.9 years, respectively (p=0.30). Mean LogMAR BCVA for the AIR and control groups was 0.29 ± 0.33 and 0, respectively (p=0.002).
Total and parafoveal superficial capillary plexus densities were significantly lower in the AIR group (45.6 ± 3.7% and 46.9 ± 4.8%, respectively) compared with the control group (52.2 ± 2.4% and 54.1 ± 1.8%, respectively), (p =0.001 and 0.003, respectively). Total and parafoveal deep capillary plexus densities were not significantly different between AIR and control groups (p=0.24 and 0.08, respectively). Foveal avascular zone (FAZ) area was not statistically different between AIR group (0.25 ± 0.06 mm) and control group (0.24 ± 0.04 mm), (p=1).
As for microperimetric findings, average threshold values were significantly lower in the AIR group (20.6 ± 5.4 dB) compared with the control group (26.6 ±1.7 dB), (p=0.006). Percentage reduced thresholds were higher in the AIR group (70.5 ± 36.8%) compared with the control group (20.3 ± 22.1%), (p=0.009). Fixation stability measurements (P1 and P2) were not statistically different between the 2 groups (p=0.8).

Conclusions : OCTA and microperimetry may show abnormal results in AIR patients. Both ancillary tests may be helpful in evaluation and management of this rare disease. Further studies are required to elucidate these findings.

This abstract was presented at the 2022 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in Denver, CO, May 1-4, 2022, and virtually.