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Retinal vessels modifications in acute and post-COVID-19
Alessandro Invernizzi1,2,3, Marco Schiuma4,5, Salvatore Parrulli6
1Eye Clinic, Luigi Sacco Hospital, ASST Fatebenefratelli-Sacco, University of Milan, Via G.B. Grassi 74, 20157, Milan, Italy. alessandro.invernizzi@gmail.com.
Scientific Reports
|September 30, 2021
Summary
COVID-19 (Coronavirus disease 2019) can cause temporary widening of retinal blood vessels, indicating systemic inflammation. Long-term changes in severe cases may suggest irreversible vascular damage.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Vascular Biology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) affects the respiratory system and can cause systemic vascular alterations.
- Retinal vessel changes serve as potential indicators of these systemic vascular changes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate changes in retinal vessels during the acute phase of COVID-19 and after recovery.
- To assess if retinal vessel diameter can serve as a biomarker for systemic inflammation and vascular damage in COVID-19 patients.
Main Methods:
- A study included 32 COVID-19 patients (59 eyes) and 53 unexposed subjects (80 eyes).
- Semi-automatic analysis of fundus color photos assessed mean arteries diameter (MAD) and mean veins diameter (MVD).
- Measurements were taken at baseline and 6 months later.
Main Results:
- At baseline, COVID-19 patients showed significantly higher MAD and MVD compared to controls (p < 0.0001).
- Both MAD and MVD significantly decreased at follow-up in COVID-19 patients (p < 0.0001).
- Vessel diameters remained significantly higher in severe COVID-19 patients post-recovery compared to controls.
Conclusions:
- Transient retinal vessel dilation in COVID-19 may indicate systemic inflammation.
- Persistent alterations in severe COVID-19 suggest potential irreversible vascular wall damage.
- Further research is needed to explore the functional impact of these long-lasting vascular changes.
