Choroidal Vascularity Index in CHM Carriers

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Genetics
• Vascular Biology

Background:

• Choroideremia (CHM) is an X-linked genetic disorder causing progressive vision loss.
• Understanding the choroidal structure in CHM carriers is crucial for disease management.
• The Choroidal Vascularity Index (CVI) is a quantitative measure of choroidal vascularization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate choroidal structure using CVI in female CHM carriers.
• To analyze choroidal changes in relation to CHM genetic status.

Main Methods:

• Recruited female CHM carriers and age-matched controls.
• Performed comprehensive ophthalmic evaluations and retinal imaging.
• Calculated Stromal Area (SA), Luminal Area (LA), Total Choroidal Area (TCA), CVI, and Subfoveal Choroidal Thickness (SFCT) using Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT).

Main Results:

• No significant differences were found in SFCT, LA, SA, TCA, or CVI between CHM carriers and controls.
• Mean CVI was 64.03% in carriers vs. 65.25% in controls (p=0.360).
• Choroidal vascular parameters remained stable despite RPE impairment.

Conclusions:

• CVI and related parameters are preserved in female CHM carriers.
• These findings highlight the intact choroidal vasculature in CHM carriers.
• The results support the critical role of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) in CHM pathogenesis.