Choroidal Thinning Associated With Hydroxychloroquine Retinopathy.

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Rheumatology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) is widely used for autoimmune conditions like systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis.
• HCQ retinopathy is a known complication, but its impact on choroidal structure requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate choroidal thickness in patients using HCQ.
• To compare choroidal thickness between eyes with and without HCQ retinopathy.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective case series of 124 patients treated with HCQ.
• Choroidal and choriocapillaris-equivalent thickness measured using swept-source OCT.
• Comparison of thickness between HCQ retinopathy and control groups, with correlation analyses.

Main Results:

• Choroidal thickness was significantly decreased in the HCQ retinopathy group compared to controls.
• Choriocapillaris-equivalent thickness differed significantly across all measured locations.
• Cumulative HCQ dose correlated with reduced subfoveal choroidal and choriocapillaris-equivalent thicknesses.

Conclusions:

• HCQ retinopathy is associated with significant choroidal thinning, especially in the choriocapillaris.
• Findings suggest that HCQ toxicity can involve the choroid, potentially contributing to retinopathy.
• Further research into the mechanisms of HCQ-induced choroidal changes is warranted.