Optical coherence tomography angiography in patients with cerebral small vessel disease

Abstract

SUMMARY In summary, cerebral SVD refers to any pathology in all vascular structures (small arteries, arterioles, capillaries, venules and small veins). Optical coherence tomography-angiography (OCT-A) is a novel, real-time and noninvasive technique to obtain high-resolution 3D images of retinal and choroidal vascular networks. This study tried to find a new way for early detection of brain microvascular changes through retinal microvascular changes, which may help very early protection against various neurological problems as stroke and dementia. The current study included a group of patients with CSVD (40 subjects) compared to healthy controls (20 subject) both were homogenous for demographic data and risk factors. We found a decrease in retinal vessel density both superficial and deep plexus in cases than controls, increase FAZ area in cases and decreased retinal thickness in macula and GCC in all cases than controls which may be explained by the effect of ischemia and hypoxia similarly to that of the brain. We also proved the relation between SVD score and fazekas grades in MRI brain and various OCTA parameters, which may be a good indicator for the severity of CSVD.