Exploring choriocapillaris under reticular pseudodrusen using OCT-Angiography

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Retinal Imaging
• Choroidal Vasculature

Background:

• Reticular pseudodrusen (RPD) are drusenoid deposits associated with age-related macular degeneration.
• The choriocapillaris (CC) is the vascular layer of the choroid, crucial for retinal health.
• Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A) allows non-invasive visualization of CC structure and flow.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess if CC vessel density and CC decorrelation signal index are impaired in eyes exhibiting RPD.
• To utilize OCT-A to quantify these potential changes in the CC layer.

Main Methods:

• OCT-A imaging was performed on 20 patients with RPD and age-matched healthy controls.
• CC vessel density and CC decorrelation signal index were measured in specific retinal sectors and slab thicknesses (30 μm and 10 μm).
• Correlations were analyzed between CC parameters and RPD characteristics (lesion number, stage, type, affected area) and choroidal thickness.

Main Results:

• Both CC vessel density and CC decorrelation signal index showed age-related decline in healthy individuals, particularly after age 60.
• RPD patients exhibited significantly reduced CC vessel density and CC decorrelation signal index compared to controls.
• A higher number of RPD lesions correlated with decreased CC vessel density, but not with CC decorrelation signal index changes.

Conclusions:

• OCT-A demonstrates a significant reduction in CC vessel density and CC decorrelation signal index in eyes with RPD.
• These findings underscore the involvement of the choriocapillaris layer in the pathogenesis of RPD.
• OCT-A is a valuable tool for evaluating CC abnormalities in RPD.