Analyzing Relative Blood Flow Speeds in Choroidal Neovascularization Using Variable Interscan Time Analysis OCT...

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Medical Imaging
• Vascular Biology

Background:

• Choroidal neovascularization (CNV) is a key feature of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
• Understanding blood flow dynamics in CNV is crucial for assessing disease progression and treatment efficacy.
• Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitors are standard treatments for CNV.

Purpose of the Study:

• To longitudinally visualize relative blood flow speeds within choroidal neovascularization (CNV).
• To assess the evolution of CNV and its response to VEGF inhibitors using advanced imaging techniques.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective, longitudinal case series was conducted.
• Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) with a swept-source OCT system was employed.
• Variable interscan time analysis (VISTA) was used to compute and display relative blood flow speeds.

Main Results:

• CNV exhibited higher flow speeds in central/larger vessels and lower speeds in peripheral/smaller vessels.
• Overall CNV expansion was observed over time, even with good visual acuity.
• In treatment-naïve cases, slower-flow vessels contracted with treatment, while faster-flow vessels remained stable.

Conclusions:

• VISTA OCTA enables longitudinal assessment of relative blood flow speeds in CNV.
• Faster flow is noted in larger CNV vessels compared to peripheral vasculature.
• The VISTA framework shows potential for clinical endpoints and studying CNV hemodynamics and treatment response.