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Retinal and Optic Disc Vascular Changes in Patients Using Long-Term Tadalafil: A Prospective Non-Randomized
Marco Capece1, Daniela Montorio1, Chiara Comune1
1Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry, University of Naples "Federico II", 80131 Naples, Italy.
Diagnostics (Basel, Switzerland)
|April 30, 2021
Summary
Long-term use of tadalafil may reduce blood vessel density in the retina and optic nerve. This study evaluated vascular changes in patients using phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5is), suggesting potential toxicity.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pharmacology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5is) are widely used for erectile dysfunction.
- Long-term effects of PDE5is on ocular vascularity remain largely unevaluated.
- Assessing neurostructural and vascular changes is crucial for understanding potential ocular side effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate neurostructural and vascular alterations in patients using tadalafil long-term.
- To evaluate changes in retinal, choroidal, and optic disc vascularity.
- To determine potential retinal or optic disc toxicity associated with tadalafil use.
Main Methods:
- Utilized spectral domain-optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA).
- Compared 27 patients on long-term tadalafil (20 mg OAD) with 27 healthy controls.
- Assessed retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL), ganglion cell complex (GCC), choroidal thickness, and capillary plexus (SCP, DCP, CC, RPC) vessel density.
Main Results:
- Significant reduction in superficial capillary plexus (SCP), deep capillary plexus (DCP), and radial peripapillary capillary (RPC) vessel density observed in tadalafil users.
- No significant changes were noted in retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL), ganglion cell complex (GCC), or choroidal thickness.
- Findings suggest potential modifications in ocular vascularity with long-term tadalafil use.
Conclusions:
- Long-term tadalafil use may be associated with reduced retinal and optic disc vascularity.
- Modifications in capillary vessel density could indicate potential retinal and optic disc toxicity.
- Further research is warranted to establish a causal relationship between tadalafil and observed vascular changes.
