Abstract
Purpose :
The relationship between reticular pseudodrusen (RPD) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) has been explored in various studies with differing outcomes. RPD is more prevalent in females and in older ages and has been identified as an independent risk factor in the progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), particularly predictive of geographic atrophy. Retinal vessel caliber (RVC) has been recognized as an important biomarker for risk stratification in various CVDs. To better understand any systemic association among RPD, RVC, and CVD, we performed a post-hoc analysis of all female participants in the Carotenoids in Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2 (CAREDS2), an ancillary study of the Women’s Health Initiative.
Methods :
RPD was identified by multimodal imaging using spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SDOCT) and infrared reflectance (IR). If RPD was bilateral, only right eye was analyzed. If unilateral, that eye with RPD was included. RVC was measured from fundus photographs in the Integrative Vessel Analysis (IVAN) software for Central-Retinal Artery/Vein Equivalents (CRAE/CRVE) of vessels at one disc diameter from the optic nerve.† CVD was a combination of heart or blood vessel diseases and confirmed by participant’s medical record.
†Hubbard LD et al. Ophthalmology 1999;106:2269–80
Results :
Among 685 participants of CAREDS2, 99% white, mean (SD) age 83 (3.3) years, 404 had RPD and RVC grading, and cardiovascular status. RPD was identified in 59 (15%) participants and CVD was reported in 111 (27%). Mean CRAE in eyes with and without RPD was 144.6 (SE 2.3) and 143.2 (SE 0.9), respectively (P=0.58). Mean CRVE in eyes with and without RPD was 212.6 (SE 3.3) and 209.1 (SE 1.3), respectively (P=0.33). Overall, there was no association between vascular caliber and RPD status. However, among 142 participants younger than 78 years (35%), CRAE was positively associated with RPD (P = 0.05). Prevalence of CVD with and without RPD was 32% and 27%, respectively (P=0.71). There was no association found between CVD and RPD in overall sample or by age.
Conclusions :
In the all-female CAREDS2 cohort study, RPD was not associated with mean CRVE/CRAE and CVD. However, a potential age-related trend was noted, where CRAE was positively associated with RPD in participants younger than 78 years. This finding may suggest an age-specific relationship that warrants further investigation.
This abstract was presented at the 2024 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in Seattle, WA, May 5-9, 2024.