Abstract
Purpose :
To enhance the clinical grading of anterior uveitis, this study explores the correlation between traditional clinical findings and cell area measurements obtained through Swept-Source Anterior Segment OCT (ASOCT). We aim to assess the utility of this imaging methodology in distinguishing between control subjects, and patients with active and inactive uveitis.
Methods :
In this prospective observational case-control study, we enrolled 78 eyes from 57 patients with anterior chamber (AC)-involving uveitis and 68 eyes from healthy individuals, including contralateral healthy eyes in some cases. A uveitis specialist graded the AC inflammation using the Standardization of Uveitis Nomenclature (SUN) criteria. The OCT images, captured using Zeiss ASOCT machine were analyzed at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months. The average cell area from six images was calculated using a purpose-built artificial intelligence software.
Results :
Among the 146 eyes analyzed, the mean age was 51.8 years, and 53.4% were females, with no significant age difference between groups. In 51% of uveitis cases, the etiology was infectious. Significant differences in cell area were observed between uveitis patients (25 [IQR 12, 66]) and controls (85 [IQR 33, 263], P<0.001). The analysis of cellularity and flare against cell area revealed significant group differences (ANOVA P=0.02 and P<0.001, respectively). Notably, active uveitis showed a higher cell area (172 [IQR 77, 659]) compared to controls (24 [IQR 12, 58]) and inactive cases (67 [IQR 26, 155]), with statistical significance (P<0.001 and P=0.001, respectively). Correlations between cellularity, flare, and cell area were significant (r=0.41 and r=0.54; p<0.001 for both).
Conclusions :
Our findings reveal significant differences in cell area between uveitis patients and controls. The cell area analysis effectively distinguishes active from inactive uveitis and correlates moderately with clinical findings. This study underscores the potential of cell area measurement in enhancing the clinical grading and management of uveitis.
This abstract was presented at the 2024 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in Seattle, WA, May 5-9, 2024.