The Evolution of Central Retinal and Choroidal Thickness in Acute Anterior Uveitic Patients with Spondyloarthropathy

To describe and correlate the degree of anterior segment inflammation with central retinal and choroidal thickness throughout the treatment period (in the course of follow-up) in the eyes affected with acute anterior uveitis in the patients with seronegative spondyloarthropathy (subgroup: ankylosing spondylitis).

Thirty eyes of 30 consecutive Caucasian patients with HLA-B27-associated acute anterior uveitis were included in this study. The flare, AC cell number, and central retinal/choroidal thickness were determined at each visit by optical coherence tomography and laser flare photometry. Treatment consisted of topical corticosteroids. Statistical analysis was performed by MathWorks Matlab software.

In the follow-up period, central retinal thickness was increased in the first 9-10 days and then decreased until stabilization (after 5-6 weeks). The flare and AC cell number decreased rapidly at the beginning of the treatment, in the first 10 days, and thereafter, slower decrease could be observed until complete resolution of inflammation. Statistically significant, positive correlation was found between initial laser flare value and maximal central retinal thickness (r=0.881, p < 0.001). Positive correlation between flare and retinal thickening was observable throughout the treatment period. Central choroidal thickness was decreased also significantly during the follow-up (p < 0.001).

The retina and choroid may play a biomarker function in the anterior segment inflammation of the eye in the patients with seronegative spondyloarthropathy.