Optical coherence tomography angiography in retinitis pigmentosa: A narrative review

Abstract

Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a group of inherited retinal disorders characterized by progressive rod and cone photoreceptor degeneration. Changes in retinal vasculature have long been associated with RP. Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) is a novel imaging technology that enables noninvasive visualization of the retinal and choroidal microvasculature. OCTA enables quantification of microvascular changes in the retinal capillary plexus and choriocapillaris, in addition to qualitative feature description. Therefore, OCTA has the potential to become an important tool for better understanding, early detection, progression, and treatment of RP. In this review, we focus on the applications of OCTA in clinical research on RP. We also discuss future improvements in the OCTA technology for RP management. We believe that the advancement of the OCTA technique will ultimately lead to a better understanding of RP and aid in the prevention of visual impairment.

New insights in the multimodal imaging of retinitis pigmentosa

“…72,73 These differences may be attributed to limitations in OCTA technology, such as projection artifacts and limited depth of penetration. 71 The radial peripapillary capillary network has been also found significantly impaired in RP patients. 70,73 Vascular changes in these regions may contribute to the pathological processes that lead to ganglion cell death and thinning of the RNFL.…”

“…70,73 Vascular changes in these regions may contribute to the pathological processes that lead to ganglion cell death and thinning of the RNFL. 71,74 The measurement of geometric vascular features using OCTA biomarkers may serve as a valuable tool to evaluate disease progression and the effectiveness of treatments. 71 In a previous study 75 conducted by our research group, we quantitatively analyzed the retinal vascular plexus at both the macula and the optic nerve in patients with RP in order to assess the presence of specific vascular alterations that may impact visual acuity.…”

“…71,74 The measurement of geometric vascular features using OCTA biomarkers may serve as a valuable tool to evaluate disease progression and the effectiveness of treatments. 71 In a previous study 75 conducted by our research group, we quantitatively analyzed the retinal vascular plexus at both the macula and the optic nerve in patients with RP in order to assess the presence of specific vascular alterations that may impact visual acuity. Our findings revealed a significant difference between RP eyes and controls in various OCTA variables such as vessel tortuosity, vessel rarefaction, vessel dispersion, and vessel density.…”

Progress in clinical research and applications of retinal vessel quantification technology based on fundus imaging

“…Thus, it is necessary to consider the impact of vascular changes and the selection of surgical approaches for patients requiring refractive surgery in clinical practice ( Cui et al, 2022 ). Retinal vessel quantification can monitor and analyze vascular changes in the occurrence, development, and treatment of eye diseases, such as retinitis pigmentosa ( Wang et al, 2019 ; Lu et al, 2022 ), type 2 macular telangiectasia ( Chidambara et al, 2016 ; Pauleikhoff et al, 2019 ; Pauleikhoff et al, 2022 ), familial retinal arteriolar tortuosity ( Saraf et al, 2019 ), Behcet’s disease ( Türkcü et al, 2020 ), optic disc drusen ( Leal-González et al, 2020 ), and retinopathy of prematurity ( Cabrera et al, 2021 ).…”

Correlative study on retinal microvascular changes and sex hormones in male patients with central serous chorioretinopathy

“…Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) is a newly developed technique for fundus examination. In contrast with traditional examinations, this technique does not require the injection of contrast agents; it also has included a wider array of indicators, a better safety profile and can provide quantitative data relating to ocular blood flow [8][9][10]. In this study, we investigated the relationship between sex hormone levels and OCTA parameters in male CSC patients in attempt to identify factors involved in the pathogenesis of CSC.…”