Evaluation of retinal and choroidal structures in patients with ulcerative colitis

To evaluate the macula, peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness, retinal layers, and choroidal vascularity index (CVI) in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC).

A total of 92 patients were included in this study, with 40 in the UC group and 52 in the control group. RNFL, retinal layer, and central macular thickness (CMT) measurements were performed using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) (Spectralis, Heidelberg Engineering, Heidelberg, Germany). Choroidal thickness (CT) and CVI were acquired using the enhanced depth imaging mode of SD-OCT. UC disease activity was assessed according to the Mayo endoscopic score.

The mean values of the CMT, ganglion cell layer, inner plexiform, and outer nuclear layer thickness in the UC group were significantly thinner than the control (p < 0.05, each). While CT values at three different areas were higher in the UC group, only the temporal CT value was significant between groups (p = 0.004). The luminal area (LA) and CVI were significantly lower in the UC group compared with the controls (p < 0.05, each). The stromal area was significantly higher in the UC group than controls (p < 0.001). Correlation analyses between the Mayo disease activity index and LA, subfoveal, and temporal CT values revealed moderate positive correlations (p = 0.009, r = 484; p = 0.003, r = 545; p = 0.007, r = 497, respectively).

UC patients have altered retinal and choroidal structures. Further research on the association between disease activity and choroidal vascular structures may contribute to these findings.