Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 2, 2025
Retinal Vascular Reactivity as Assessed by Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography
Published on: March 26, 2020
Alterations in the Retinal Vascular Network and Structure in MOG Antibody-Associated Disease: An Optical Coherence
Jian Yu1, Yongheng Huang, Chao Quan
1Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Science (JY, YH, KW, YZ, XZ, MW), Eye and ENT Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China ; Key Laboratory of Myopia of State Health Ministry (JY, YH, KW, YZ, XZ, MW), and Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration of Shanghai, Shanghai, China ; NHC Key Laboratory of Myopia (Fudan University) (JY, YH, KW, YZ, XZ, MW), Key Laboratory of Myopia, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, China ; Department of Ophthalmology (YH), Kiang Wu Hospital, Macau Special Administration Region, China ; and Department of Neurology (LZ, JZB, CQ), Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China .
Background:
To determine retinal vessel density in patients with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease (MOGAD).
Methods:
Twenty-five patients with MOGAD and 20 healthy participants were enrolled. Patients with MOGAD were divided into myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody (MOG-Ab)-positive eyes with a history of optic neuritis (ON; MOG-Ab-ON+ group) or without a history of ON (MOG-Ab-ON- group). Visual function, retinal vessel densities, and thickness were measured.
Results:
The retinal nerve fiber layer, parafoveal ganglion cell and inner plexiform layers, and vessel densities in the peripapillary and parafoveal areas were significantly decreased in the MOG-Ab-ON+ eyes compared with healthy eyes and MOG-Ab-ON- eyes (all P < 0.05). An increasing number of ON episodes was associated with greater decreases in these variables (all P < 0.05). Visual field mean deviation was not significantly decreased in patients with a history of 1 or 2 episodes of ON, although the relative decreases in retinal nerve fiber layer thickness, parafoveal ganglion cell and inner plexiform layer thickness, peripapillary vessel density, and parafoveal vessel density reached 33.1%, 23.2%, 17.0%, and 11.5% (all P < 0.05), respectively, in eyes with 2 episodes of ON. The mean deviation was significantly correlated with peripapillary vessel density (P < 0.05) after adjustment for other variables. Best-corrected visual acuity was not significantly correlated with optical coherence tomography variables (all P > 0.05).
Conclusions:
MOG-Ab-associated ON was associated with significant decreases in retinal structure and vessel density, without significant deteriorations in visual function. The peripapillary vessel density might predict the visual outcomes in patients with MOG-Ab-associated ON.
Insights
Myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease (MOGAD) causes reduced retinal vessel density, especially after optic neuritis. Peripapillary vessel density may predict visual outcomes in MOGAD patients.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
Background:
- Myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease (MOGAD) is an autoimmune condition affecting the central nervous system.
- Optic neuritis (ON) is a common manifestation of MOGAD, potentially leading to visual impairment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate retinal vessel density in patients with MOGAD.
- To correlate retinal structural and vascular changes with disease activity and visual function.
Main Methods:
- Compared retinal vessel densities and thicknesses in 25 MOGAD patients and 20 healthy controls using optical coherence tomography.
- Stratified MOGAD patients based on history of optic neuritis (ON) and MOG-Ab status.
Main Results:
- MOGAD eyes with ON history showed significantly decreased retinal nerve fiber layer, ganglion cell/inner plexiform layers, and vessel densities compared to healthy and MOGAD eyes without ON history.
- Increasing ON episodes correlated with greater retinal structural and vascular density reductions.
- Visual field mean deviation was not significantly impaired after 1-2 ON episodes, despite substantial retinal changes.
Conclusions:
- MOGAD-associated ON leads to significant retinal structural and vascular density loss.
- Despite structural damage, visual function may remain relatively preserved in early MOGAD ON.
- Peripapillary vessel density shows potential as a predictor of visual outcomes in MOGAD patients.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Open Angle Glaucoma: Treatment
Drugs such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, α2- and...
01:25Glaucoma: Overview