Choroidal Vascularity Index in patients affected by PXE-related retinopathy

Author: Vittoria Murro (Italy)

Co-authors: Dario Pasquale Mucciolo, Dario Giorgio, Laura Pavese, Federica Boraldi, Daniela Quaglino, Fabrizio Giansanti

Purpose

To investigate the choroid in patients affected by PXE-related retinopathy using the Choroidal Vascularity Index (CVI).

Setting/Venue

Eye Clinic University of Florence

Methods

PXE patients and controls were recruited at the Eye Clinic in Florence. High-resolution imaging OCT scans (12x9 mm) of 32 PXE patients and 20 age-matched control subjects were examined. Images were binarized using ImageJ software and Subfoveal Choroidal Thickness (SFCT), Luminal Area (LA), Stromal Area (SA), Total Choroidal Area (TCA) and CVI were measured.

Results

Sixty-four eyes of 32 PXE patients (mean age 45.65 ± 16.12; range 14-69) and 40 eyes of 20 control subjects (mean age 47.3 ± 13.7; range 18-71) were included in the study. SFCT was significantly lower in PXE patients compared to control subjects. LA, SA and TCA of the PXE patients were significantly reduced in comparison with those obtained for controls. On the contrary, the CVI did not significantly differ between patients and controls. In young subjects, we did not detect differences regarding OCT parameters.

Conlusions

In PXE-related retinopathy the choroidal impairment appears secondary to the Bruch’s membrane calcification and progressive with age, and there is a simultaneous, proportional impairment of both the stromal and the vascular components of the choroid.

Financial Disclosure

none