Retinal microvasculature in the remission period of Behcet's uveitis

To evaluate retinal microvasculature and blood flow during Behcet's uveitis (BU) remission via optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A), and compare the results with those from healthy eyes.

A total of 35 eyes of 35 BU patients presenting during the remission period of BU involving the posterior segment were enrolled, as were 30 normal eyes of 30 age and sex-matched healthy participants. Optical coherence tomography angiograms were analyzed. Foveal avascular zone (FAZ), vessel densities, and flow areas were calculated and compared.

Thirty-five eyes of 35 BU patients and 30 normal eyes of 30 age and sex-matched subjects were included in the study. The superficial FAZ was slightly higher in the BU group than in the control group (p = 0.01), but deep FAZ was substantially higher (p < 0.001). Deep foveal and parafoveal vessel densities were significantly lower in BU eyes (p < 0.05). Flow areas in superficial and deep plexuses were lower in BU eyes (p < 0.05), however choroidal flow was similar (p > 0.05).

BU can cause permanent damage especially in the deep capillary plexus and OCT-A provides a detailed view of the retinal microvasculature which helps us to visualize vascular damage in these patients. Further studies with longer follow-up periods are needed to define the role of OCT-A in the decision of treatment efficacy with different agents.