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Fundus fluorescein angiography in generalized scleroderma.
Ophthalmic Research
|January 1, 1987
Summary
Generalized scleroderma can affect choroidal vasculature, as shown by fundus fluorescein angiography in one-third of patients. Ocular findings were otherwise minimal, indicating early or subclinical fundus changes.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Rheumatology
- Vascular Biology
Background:
- Generalized scleroderma is a systemic autoimmune disease.
- Ocular manifestations of scleroderma can affect various parts of the eye.
- Fundus examination is crucial for detecting subclinical ocular involvement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate fundus abnormalities in patients with generalized scleroderma.
- To assess the utility of fluorescein angiography in detecting choroidal vascular changes.
Main Methods:
- Ophthalmoscopy, fundus photography, and fluorescein angiography were performed on 21 patients.
- Slit-lamp examination assessed anterior segment structures.
- Visual acuity was recorded for all participants.
Main Results:
- No significant abnormalities were found in the anterior segment or via ophthalmoscopy.
- Visual acuity was normal in 20 patients; one had macular degeneration.
- Fundus fluorescein angiography revealed abnormalities in 7 of 21 patients, indicative of choroidal vascular lesions affecting the retinal pigment epithelium.
Conclusions:
- Fundus fluorescein angiography suggests choroidal vasculature is affected in approximately one-third of generalized scleroderma patients.
- Retinal vessels were generally not affected.
- These findings highlight the potential for subclinical choroidal vascular compromise in scleroderma.