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Conjunctival optical coherence tomography angiography imaging in sickle cell maculopathy
Glory E Mgboji1, Dennis Cain1, Adrienne W Scott1
1Retina Division, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 600 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA.
American Journal of Ophthalmology Case Reports
|March 4, 2022
Summary
Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) reveals reduced vascular density in the conjunctiva and macula of sickle cell anemia patients. This imaging technique highlights key vascular changes in sickle cell disease.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Vascular Biology
- Hematology
Background:
- Sickle cell anemia (SCA) is a genetic blood disorder with significant ocular complications.
- Understanding the vascular manifestations in both the conjunctiva and macula is crucial for managing SCA patients.
Observation:
- Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) was used to image the macula and conjunctiva in patients with SCA (HbSS and HbSC).
- Macular OCTA showed decreased vascular density, particularly in the deep capillary plexus.
- Conjunctival OCTA revealed reduced vascular density and flow voids, correlating with clinical findings.
Findings:
- OCTA effectively visualizes reduced vascular density in the conjunctiva and macula of SCA patients.
- A notable difference in vascular density was observed between the superficial and deep capillary plexuses in the macula.
- Conjunctival flow voids were prominent in SCA patients compared to controls.
Implications:
- OCTA provides high-resolution visualization of conjunctival abnormalities in SCA.
- Further research is needed to establish the role of conjunctival OCTA in SCA diagnosis and monitoring.
- Investigating the link between conjunctival and macular perfusion may offer new insights into SCA pathophysiology.
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