Optical coherence tomography angiography quantitative analysis of retinal and choroidal microvasculature in patients with dyslipidemia

Abstract

Introduction The purpose of this investigation was to report swept source-optical coherence tomography angiography (SS-OCTA) quantitative information of retinal and choroidal microvascularization in patients with dyslipidemia (DL). Methods We performed a retrospective study. The study enrolled 37 eyes of 20 patients with DL and 40 eyes of 23 healthy subjects. OCTA quantitative parameters (vessel density (VD) and foveal avascular zone (FAZ) area of superficial capillary plexus (SCP), middle capillary plexus (MCP), deep capillary plexus (DCP) and choriocapillaris (CC)) in 6 mm × 6 mm and 4,5 mm × 4,5 mm cubes were recorded. Results No differences in VD in SCP, MCP and DCP were demonstrated between DL group and control group ( p > 0,05). Conversely, VD in the central region at CC was diminished in patients with DL in both cubes ( p < 0,05). Moreover, total VD in CC was decreased in the DL group in 6 mm × 6 mm cube ( p < 0,05). Regarding FAZ area, we demonstrated and enlargement of FAZ in each retinal capillary plexus, but it did not reach statistical significance ( p > 0,05). Conclusion We objectified a diminution of VD in the CC, suggesting that DL mainly affects the choroidal microvasculature. Nonetheless, further studies with a larger population are needed.