Swept-source optical coherence tomography early findings in patients with carotid artery disease

Ocular ischemic syndrome can be the first and only hint of life-threatening carotid artery disease. The early recognition of carotid stenosis-related retinal signs, as well as the comprehension of the pathophysiology behind retinal changes could become relevant for physicians to predict the risk of stroke. The aim of this study is to assess the carotid artery disease-induced early structural retinochoroidal changes by means of swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT).

A prospective observational study was conducted in 72 eyes with carotid stenosis. According to the degree of stenosis, the participants were divided into a normal group (34 eyes), a mild-moderate stenosis group (22 eyes), a severe stenosis group (16 eyes). SS-OCT and OCTA were performed to scan macular fovea. Central macular thickness (CMT), subfoveal choroidal thickness (SCT) and foveal avascular zona (FAZ) area were the major measurements for our study.

CMT was significantly thicker in group 3 when compared to group 2 and 1. SCT was significantly thinner in group 3 vs group 1, being thicker in group 2 when compared to group 1. No significant differences were obtained when comparing FAZ in the superficial and middle capillary plexus although it was significant when comparing the FAZ in the deep capillary plexus between group 1 and 3.

internal carotid artery stenosis greater than 70% leads to a significant increase in CMT and a decrease in SCT prior the development of clinical findings of ocular ischemia syndrome.