Evaluation of optic coherence tomography findings in patients with inflammatory bowel disease

Ocular complications are known to appear in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Among these, posterior segment complications can lead to substantial morbidity. The aim of the study is to evaluate the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL), ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (GCIPL), and macula thickness measurement in patients with IBD.

A total of 118 patients with IBD (42 Crohn's disease (CD), 76 ulcerative colitis (UC)) and 52 healthy subjects were included in the study. RNFL, GCIPL, and macula thickness were measured using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT).

The central macular thickness was increased, mean and all superior quadrants of GCIPL thickness measurements were significantly decreased, but RNFL thickness wasn't changed in CD compared to healthy subjects. Although the central macular thickness increased, no change was observed in mean RNFL and GCIPL in UC compared to healthy subjects. Mean RNFL, GCIPL, and macular thickness did not differ during the remission and active phases of the disease in IBD. There was no difference in RNFL, GCIPL, and macular thicknesses in CD patients in terms of the location and behavior of the disease. A significant thickness increase was found in extensive type UC for inferior RNFL value compared to the left side and proctitis.

IBD may cause an increase in macular thickness. This finding may be related to the inflammation or ischemia of the retina. The use of SD-OCT in ophthalmologic examination in patients with IBD may enable early detection of retinal changes and alert the clinician to complications of IBD.