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OCTA-based research on changes of retinal microcirculation in digestive tract malignancy
Mingzhu Yuan1, Qi Long1, Xufang Sun1
1Department of Ophthalmology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, PR China.
Photodiagnosis and Photodynamic Therapy
|July 13, 2024
Summary
Retinal vessel density increased in patients with digestive tract cancers, particularly in the inner retinal layer of the optic nerve head region. This suggests a link between gastrointestinal cancer and changes in retinal microcirculation.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Oncology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Digestive tract malignancies may impact systemic microcirculation.
- Retinal microcirculation changes can serve as potential biomarkers for systemic diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To measure retinal vessel density (VD) in patients with digestive tract malignancy using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA).
- To compare retinal microcirculation in patients with gastric cancer (GC) and colorectal cancer (CRC) against healthy controls.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study of 106 participants (36 GC, 34 CRC, 36 controls).
- Retinal vessel density data collected via OCTA (Angio modes) centered on fovea and optic nerve head (ONH).
- Retinal layers (SVP, inner retinal layer, RPCP, DVP) and areas were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Increased inner retinal layer VD observed in the ONH region for both GC and CRC groups.
- Elevated VD in the inner retinal layer, SVP, and RPCP in the papillary area for GC and CRC groups.
- Significant global VD increase in RPCP and SVP for the GC group; no macular differences found.
Conclusions:
- Retinal vessel density is altered in patients with digestive tract malignancy.
- The inner retinal layer of the ONH region shows notable changes, indicating a potential link between gastrointestinal cancer and retinal microcirculation.
Keywords:
Colorectal cancerDigestive tract malignancyGastric cancerOCTARetinal microcirculationVessel density
