Changes in retinal and choroidal capillary plexus evaluated by OCTA in type 1 diabetic patients without diabetic retinopathy

Abstract

Purpose : To study anatomical and vascular changes in the superficial capillary (SCP) and deep capillary (DCP) plexuses in the retina, as well as changes in the choriocapillaris (CC) and foveal avascular zone (FAZ) using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) (DRI-Triton SS-OCT) in type 1 diabetic (DM1) patients without diabetic retinopathy (DR).

Methods : We performed a single-center cross-sectional descriptive study including 40 eyes of well-controlled DM1 patients who had been diagnosed at least 10 years prior, and 72 eyes of 72 healthy subjects. All participants underwent a full ophthalmic examination including OCTA using Deep Range Imaging (DRI)-Triton swept source (SS)-OCT.

Results : Mean age was 41.70±11.48 and 42.78±13.70 years in DM1 group and in the control group respectively. There were no differences in VA, EE, AL nor IOP. Statistical differences were found in all areas of the SCP, with lower values in DM1 patients. There were differences in all quadrants except the central zone in the DCP. In the CC there were only significant blood flow changes in the central area. We did not find significant differences in the FAZ in neither of the plexuses, but the horizontal FAZ SCP diameter was found significantly different. The anatomical evaluation frequently showed abnormalities such as microaneurysms in both plexuses, FAZ modifications and areas with lack of blood perfusion.

Conclusions : DM1 patients without DR present microvascular abnormalities with lack of retinal and CC blood perfusion, as well as anatomical changes in retinal blood vessels.

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