Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography in Patients with Mixed Connective Tissue Disease

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Rheumatology
• Immunology

Background:

• Mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD) is a rare autoimmune disorder with overlapping features of other connective tissue diseases.
• It is associated with anti-ribonucleoprotein (anti-U1RNP) antibodies, and its vasculopathy mechanisms are poorly understood.
• Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) is a non-invasive technique for assessing retinal and choroidal microvasculature.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate and compare OCTA parameters in patients with MCTD versus healthy controls.
• To identify potential microvascular abnormalities in the retinas of MCTD patients.

Main Methods:

• Comparison of OCTA parameters including foveal avascular zone (FAZ), FAZ perimeter (PERIM), flow density (FD), choriocapillaris flow area (CCFA), outer retina flow area (ORFA), and superficial/deep vessel densities.
• Patients with MCTD were compared to a control group of healthy individuals.

Main Results:

• Patients with MCTD exhibited significantly lower parafoveal superficial and deep vessel densities compared to controls.
• MCTD patients showed statistically significant reductions in FAZ, FAZ PERIM, and FD values.
• Overall, decreased retinal vessel density and choriocapillaris flow were observed in the MCTD group.

Conclusions:

• The study suggests the presence of ocular vascular abnormalities in MCTD patients.
• OCTA is a valuable tool for detecting and monitoring microvascular changes in the retina of individuals with MCTD.
• Findings highlight the role of OCTA in the diagnosis and management of MCTD-related ocular complications.