Microvascular Density Analysis of Patients with Inactive Systemic Lupus Erythematosus-A Two-Year Follow-Up Optical...

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Rheumatology
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease with potential systemic effects.
• Retinal microcirculation can be affected by systemic conditions.
• Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A) allows detailed visualization of retinal vasculature.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the long-term impact of inactive SLE on retinal microcirculation.
• To evaluate changes in vessel density (VD) and foveal avascular zone (FAZ) over two years.
• To investigate the relationship between HCQ dosage and retinal microcirculatory changes.

Main Methods:

• Longitudinal study of 24 patients with inactive SLE on hydroxychloroquine (HCQ).
• OCT-A imaging to analyze VD and FAZ in superficial (SCP) and deep (DCP) capillary plexuses, and choriocapillaris (CC).
• Comparison of OCT-A parameters at baseline (t0) and 2-year follow-up (t1).

Main Results:

• Significant reduction in VD in the en face SCP and CC from t0 to t1 (p=0.001 and p=0.013, respectively).
• No significant changes observed in VD of the DCP, FAZ area, or central retinal thickness (CRT).
• No correlation found between cumulative HCQ dose increase and SCP VD changes.

Conclusions:

• Inactive SLE is associated with a progressive decline in retinal microcirculation, specifically affecting the SCP and CC.
• The observed microcirculatory changes are likely disease-related rather than a side effect of HCQ therapy.
• These findings highlight the importance of monitoring retinal health in SLE patients.