Optical coherence tomography angiography for assessment of changes of the retina and choroid in different stages of diabetic retinopathy and their relationship with diabetic nephropathy

Abstract

Compared with fluorescein angiography (FA), the gold standard diagnostic criterion of DR, OCTA has advantages in assessing the condition of retinal microvasculature. As a method that requires venipuncture and dye infusion, FA is invasive and time-consuming. Moreover, FA only provides 2-dimensional images [3,4]. In addition, the OCTA image of deep capillary plexuses (DCP) is clearer than its FA image. Furthermore, OCTA shows less interobserver variability than FA in measuring the foveal avascular zone (FAZ) [5].OCTA has several unique advantages in diagnosing DR. It has the ability to detect early signs of microvascular abnormality ahead of microaneurysms (MAs), which include capillary dropout, dilated capillary loops, and tortuous capillary branches [6]. Furthermore, it can detect some MAs that are not captured by FA [7,8] and identify the location of MAs and the affected capillary plexus [9]. Considering its ability to clearly identify the structural relationship between the proliferative membrane and the posterior hyaloid membrane [10][11][12], OCTA has

Assessment of Retinal Microangiopathy in Patients with Balkan Endemic Nephropathy Using Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography—A Pilot Study

“…The vasculature system of the retina consists of the central retinal artery, which supplies the inner retina, and the choriocapillaris, which supplies the retinal pigment epithelium and outer retina (primarily composed of photoreceptors) [20]. The blood supply of the F.A.Z.is also derived from the choriocapillaris [21]. In mammals, the photoreceptor layer is entirely free of blood vessels and is supplied with oxygen by diffusion from adjacent vascular structures.…”

Relationship between Biochemical Pathways and Non-Coding RNAs Involved in the Progression of Diabetic Retinopathy

“…In addition, a high level of glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) may indicate progression of changes in the eye fundus [12]. Other factors that may contribute to development of retinopathy are: higher systolic or diastolic blood pressure, hypertension [13], obesity [14], hyperlipidemia [15,16], anemia [17], pregnancy [18], puberty [19], cataract surgery [20], nephropathy [21]. The waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), an indicator of central obesity, has been found to be associated with insulin resistance and serves as an independent risk factor for retinopathy in diabetic patients.…”

Relationship between Biochemical Pathways and Non-Coding RNAs Involved in the Progression of Diabetic Retinopathy

“…In addition, a high level of glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) may indicate the progression of changes in the eye fundus [ 12 ]. Other factors, which may contribute to the development of retinopathy, are higher systolic or diastolic blood pressure, hypertension [ 13 ], obesity [ 14 ], hyperlipidemia [ 15 , 16 ], anemia [ 17 ], pregnancy [ 18 ], puberty [ 19 ], cataract surgery [ 20 ], nephropathy [ 21 ]. The waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), an indicator of central obesity, has been found to be associated with insulin resistance and serves as an independent risk factor for retinopathy in diabetic patients.…”