Retinal microvascular signs in COVID-19
Ralene Sim1,2, Gemmy Cheung1,2, Daniel Ting1,2
1Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore.
The British Journal of Ophthalmology
|March 20, 2021
Summary
COVID-19 infection is linked to retinal microvascular signs, even in asymptomatic individuals. These findings may indicate underlying cardiovascular and thrombotic changes associated with the virus.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Infectious Diseases
- Cardiology
Background:
- COVID-19 can affect multiple organ systems.
- Retinal microvascular changes may serve as indicators of systemic disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between COVID-19 infection and retinal findings.
- To identify specific retinal signs in COVID-19 patients.
Main Methods:
- Prospective cross-sectional study of 108 COVID-19 positive participants.
- Retinal imaging using 3D OCT-1 Maestro for color fundus photographs (CFP) and optical coherence tomographic (OCT) scans.
- Collection of biodata, medical history, and vital signs from electronic medical records.
Main Results:
- 11.6% of eyes exhibited retinal signs, including microhemorrhages, retinal vascular tortuosity, and cotton wool spots (CWS).
- 5.1% of eyes showed hyper-reflective plaques on OCT, with some correlating to CFP findings.
- Retinal signs were observed in both symptomatic and asymptomatic patients and were associated with transiently elevated blood pressure.
Conclusions:
- Approximately one in nine COVID-19 patients displayed retinal microvascular signs.
- These ocular findings can occur even in asymptomatic cases with normal vital signs.
- Retinal microvascular signs may reflect cardiovascular and thrombotic alterations linked to COVID-19 infection.
