Is there a link between choroidal and retinal parameters in patients with systemic sclerosis? A prospective study

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Rheumatology
• Connective Tissue Diseases

Background:

• Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune disease impacting connective tissues.
• SSc can affect the choroid, leading to reduced thickness and volume.
• Understanding retinal and choroidal changes in SSc is crucial for patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the pathogenesis of retinal and choroidal involvement in Systemic Sclerosis.
• To gain deeper insights into ocular manifestations of SSc.

Main Methods:

• Prospective, single-center, cross-sectional study of 33 SSc patients and 40 controls.
• Comprehensive ophthalmological and rheumatological assessments.
• Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) to evaluate retinal layer thickness (ORL, ONL, RPE), central macular choroidal thickness, and choroidal vascularity index (CVI).

Main Results:

• No significant difference in inner retinal thickness between SSc patients and controls.
• Outer retinal layers (RPE, ORL) were thinner in SSc patients (p<0.05).
• Significant differences in choroidal parameters (areas, central thickness) were observed in SSc patients (p<0.05).
• Correlations found between outer retinal layers and choroidal vascularity in SSc subtypes.

Conclusions:

• Choroidal blood supply in SSc patients, despite reductions, may be adequate for maintaining outer retinal thickness.
• Further research is needed to fully elucidate the relationship between choroidal changes and visual function in SSc.