OCTA AND MICROPERIMETRY IN BEHÇET RETINAL VASCULITIS: STRUCTURE-FUNCTION CORRELATION, SUBGROUPS ANALYSIS, AND 12-MONTH FOLLOW-UP

Abstract

Purpose : In patients with Behçet's syndrome (BS), despite good visual acuity, macular damage can be detected using optical coherence tomography (OCT) angiography (OCTA), particularly in the nasal sector and deep capillary plexus. Our previous research with OCT, OCTA, and microperimetry (MP) uncovered significant biomarkers for ocular involvement in BS. This current study aims to analyze macular structure-function correlations, differences between sex and age, and changes during a 12-month follow-up, in patients with BS-associated vasculitis.

Methods : We studied 23 eyes (14 patients) with retinal vasculitis (aged 40.6±11.7 years), without activity ≥3 months. They were monitored every 4 months for a year. We analyzed the thickness of the retina, nerve fibers, and ganglion cells on OCT; foveal avascular zone (FAZ) area, vascular density (VD), and qualitative changes (perifoveal arcade disruption, nonperfusion areas, and microvascular abnormalities) on OCTA; and macular sensitivity on MP. Statistical analysis used generalized estimation equations and Pearson correlation. This study had Ethics Committee approval.

Results : Superficial vascular plexus VD in the superior sector on OCTA correlated positively with central macular sensitivity (r=0.722; p<0.001). VD was inversely correlated with FAZ area and directly with retinal thickness (Fig. 1). Men <45 years, along with qualitative findings in intermediate and deep capillary plexuses on OCTA (Fig. 2), showed critical quantitative changes in OCT and OCTA. Outer plexiform layer elevations and qualitative OCTA changes showed sensitivity reduction on MP in 30.4% of eyes. No structural or functional biomarkers changed over a 12-month follow-up.

Conclusions : In BS-associated vasculitis, our data suggest that: quantitative and qualitative findings on OCTA may indirectly indicate the macular function in microperimetry; male sex, age <45 years, and qualitative findings are associated with more prominent structural alteration on OCT and OCTA; OCTA and MP changes may not be expected in patients with no angiographic activity.

This abstract was presented at the 2024 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in Seattle, WA, May 5-9, 2024.

 

Structure-function correlation between OCTA, OCT and microperimetry variables in patients with Behçet’s uveitis.

 

Perifoveal arcade disruption, nonperfusion areas, microvascular abnormalities and their association with OCT/OCTA biomarkers.