Differences in Vascular Density between Detached and Nondetached Areas in Eyes with Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment

Abstract

We examined the vessel density (VD) of the deep capillary plexus (DCP) and choriocapillaris plexus (CCP) by optical coherence tomography (OCT) angiography in eyes with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment, which had similar amounts of detached and nondetached areas in the macula region, and then determined the morphology by OCT until 6 months after surgery. A total of 13 eyes of 13 patients whose average age was 55.8 ± 12.3 years and were successfully treated were enrolled in this study. Throughout the postoperative period, the VD of the DCP in the detached area decreased significantly compared to that in the nondetached area. Conversely, there was no significant difference in the VD of the CCP between the detached and the nondetached areas. The ratio of VD of both the DCP and CCP in the detached area to the in the nondetached area did not show significant changes during the follow-up period of 6 months. The ratio of VD of the DCP in the detached area to that in the nondetached area correlated significantly with the ratio of the external limiting membrane–ellipsoid zone (r = 0.57, p < 0.001) and ellipsoid zone–retinal pigment epithelium (r = 0.39, p < 0.001) thickness in the detached area to that in the nondetached area. A well-preserved DCP blood flow could result in the restoration of the outer retina.

Quantitative Microvascular Change Analysis Using a Semi-Automated Algorithm in Macula-on Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment Assessed by Swept-Source Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography

“…We hypothesize that these changes may be explained at least in part due to the different vascular and inflammatory mediators that are released by the Müller cells that are activated in eyes with RRD [32,36]. These events may induce microarchitectural modifications that may impair retinal ganglion cells and photoreceptors' functionality, which could eventually lead to the subsequent lack of visual improvement [37,38].…”

Quantitative Microvascular Change Analysis Using a Semi-Automated Software in Macula-off Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment Assessed by Swept-Source Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography

“…In eyes with RRD, different vascular and inflammatory coexisting events can lead to the activation of Müller cells, causing alterations in retinal blood flow. These events induce structural changes that may alter retinal ganglion cells and photoreceptors functionality, with the subsequent lack of visual improvement [40,41]. It might be hypothesized that hypoxia and secondary release of inflammatory biomarkers (vasoconstrictor endothelin 1) after neurosensory detachment of the retinal pigment epithelium would lead to retinal blood flow impairment.…”

Quantitative microvascular change analysis using a semi-automated algorithm in macula- on rhegmatogenous retinal detachment assessed by swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography

“…We hypothesize that these changes may be explained at least in part due to the different vascular and in ammatory mediators that are released by the Müller cells, that are activated in eyes with RRD [31,36]. These events may induce microarchitectural modi cations that may impair retinal ganglion cells and photoreceptors functionality, which could eventually lead to the subsequent lack of visual improvement [34,35].…”