Analysis of Macular Microvasculature in Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection.

Abstract

PURPOSE:

To evaluate the retinal and choroidal microvascular blood flow in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA).

METHODS:

Macular OCTA parameters including vessel density (VD) of parafoveal superficial capillary plexus (SCP-VD) and deep capillary plexus (DCP-VD), foveal vessel density (FD), foveal avascular zone area, and flow area of choriocapillaris were analyzed in 42 HIV-positive patients, and compared with 42 healthy controls.

RESULTS:

The mean SCP-VD, DCP-VD and FD were significantly lower in HIV-positive group compared with controls (p < .001, p = .014, p = .026; respectively). Reduced SCP-VD was associated with higher HIV RNA plasma level (r = -0.400, p = .021) and lower CD4 + T cell count (r = 0.314, p = .046) in HIV-positive patients.

CONCLUSIONS:

Macular microvascular blood flow is affected by HIV infection. OCTA can detect microvascular flow abnormalities in retinal capillary plexus in HIV-positive patients.

• Authors: Ebru Esen, Selcuk Sizmaz, Ferit Kuscu, Cansu Demircan, Yesim Tasova, Ilker Unal, Nihal Demircan
• Journal: Ocular immunology and inflammation (Ocul Immunol Inflamm) Vol. 31 Issue 4 Pg. 728-733 (May 2023) ISSN: 1744-5078 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 35442846 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Topics

• Humans
• Fluorescein Angiography (methods)
• Retinal Vessels
• HIV Infections (complications, diagnosis)
• Macula Lutea (blood supply)
• Microvessels
• HIV Seropositivity
• Tomography, Optical Coherence (methods)