Quantitative measurements with optical coherence tomography angiography in Behcet uveitis

Abstract

Purpose The aim of this study was to evaluate the quantitative measurements obtained by optical coherence tomography angiography in patients with Behcet uveitis. Methods A total of 22 consecutive patients with Behcet uveitis and 19 age-matched healthy individuals were included in the study. Quantitative analysis of optical coherence tomography angiography images was performed. Comparisons between the patients and the control groups and correlation analysis between optical coherence tomography angiography results and age, visual acuity, duration of uveitis, central macular thickness, and fluorescein angiography scores in the patient group was performed. Results The mean superficial foveal avascular zone area was 283.040 +/- 113.003 mu m(2) in the patient group and 254.268 +/- 75.813 mu m(2) in the control group (p = 0.821). The mean deep foveal avascular zone area was 317.657 +/- 116.225 mu m(2) in the patient group and 332.954 +/- 94.783 mu m(2) in the control group (p = 0.775). The foveal avascular zone area could not be calculated in eight eyes with macular atrophy in the patient group because of unclear foveal avascular zone borders. Both superficial and deep capillary vessel density in all regions were lower in the patient group than in the control. Superior, inferior, and temporal capillary vessel density were correlated with fluorescein angiography score (Pearson's r = -0.380, 0.392, and -0.384, p < 0.05 in superficial plexus; r = -0.357, -0.401, and -0.321, p < 0.05 in deep plexus, respectively). The foveal avascular zone area was correlated with central macular thickness in both superficial and deep plexus (r = -0.387 and -0.331, p < 0.05, respectively). Conclusion Recurrent uveitis attacks affecting the macula are associated with a decrease in capillary vessel density and expansion in the foveal avascular zone area in Behcet disease. The qualitative evaluation of the optical coherence tomography angiography findings may be more valuable in patients with macular atrophy.