Optical coherence tomography and shear wave elastography findings in Graves ophthalmopathy.

PURPOSE: The main feature of Graves ophthalmopathy (GO) is revealed by determining the activity and severity of the disease. We aimed to evaluate the use of imaging methods can also provide additional information about the severity of this disease. METHODS: Optical coherence tomography (OCT) and shear wave elastography (SWE) findings were compared in 32 patients with mild GO group and in the healthy control group. Measuring for TSH receptor antibody (TRAb) serum level is used third-generation assay. RESULTS: In Graves group, optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) values were increased in both eyes (p < 0.001, p < 0.001). SWE measurements showed a significant increase both eye optic nerve (ON) and right eye soft tissue elasticity values in GO group (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, respectively). There was a significant thinning in left temporal retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness and left RNFL peripapillary thickness in GO group (p < 0.001, p < 0.025, respectively). There was a correlation between left eye OCT and SWE findings. Also, there was a significant difference between the median left eye ON and soft tissue elasticity results in the TRAb-positive GO group (p = 0.049, p = 0.048, respectively). CONCLUSION: SWE measurements showed a significant increase both eyes ONSD, ON and right eye soft tissue elasticity values in GO group. GO group was significant thinning in some left eye regions in OCT measurements. There was a correlation between left eye OCT and SWE findings. In addition to clinical activity score and TRAb, SWE and OCT can be used to monitor in patients with GO.

Investigation of the optic disc and retinal microvasculature by optical coherence tomography angiography in children with asthma.

PURPOSE: To assess the optic disc and retinal microvasculature by optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) in asthmatic children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty asthmatic children (asthma group) and 30 control age- and sex-matched healthy controls (control group) were included in this cross-sectional study. The asthma group was then divided into two subgroups according to the presence of inhaled steroid use. Demographic findings were noted. Retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness and vessel density in different sections of the retina and optic nerve head were analyzed by OCTA. RESULTS: RNFL thickness for temporal quadrants and flow area for outer retina levels were significantly lower in the asthma group than the control group (72.58 ± 10.99 µm vs 77.73 ± 9.73µm, P = 0.015, and 0.60 ± 0.31mm2 vs. 0.72 ± 0.31mm2, P = 0.047, respectively). However, inside disc vascular densities were significantly higher in the asthma group when compared to controls (55.16% ± 3.71% vs. 52.08% ± 3.79%, P < 0.001). Inside disc vascular densities were also significantly higher, and RNFL thickness for temporal quadrants was significantly lower in the asthmatic patients without steroid use subgroup when compared to others (P < 0.001, P = 0.012, respectively). CONCLUSION: Lower values of temporal quadrant RNFL, and flow area for outer retina, but higher levels of inside disc vascular density seem to be associated with asthmatic children. OCTA findings in asthmatic children appear to be regardless of inhaled steroid use.

The effect of positive airway pressure therapy on intraocular pressure and retina in severe obstructive apnea syndrome.

To identify and compare changes in intraocular pressure (IOP), macular, and peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness using optical coherence tomography (OCT) measurements before and after 3 months of positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy in patients with severe obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). Twenty-five patients diagnosed with severe OSAS in the neurology sleep outpatient clinic were included in the study. Ophthalmologic examinations were performed at the time of diagnosis and after 3 months of PAP therapy. Statistical analysis of comparisons of pre-treatment and post-treatment measurements of IOP and OCT was performed. Before the PAP therapy, the correlations between central corneal thickness (CCT), body mass index (BMI), OCT, IOP, and sleep parameters were statistically analyzed. Compared to the pre-treatment measurements at the time of diagnosis, post-treatment measurements showed insignificant decrease in IOP, significant increase in mean macular thickness and significant thinning in superior nasal RNFL. There was no correlation found between pre-treatment measurements including IOP, OCT, CCT, BMI, and sleep parameters. The effect of intermittent hypoxia and hypercapnia on the IOP and macula may be reversible in severe OSAS patients receiving 3 months of PAP therapy, but the reversibility of the neurodegenerative effects of OSAS on RNFL with this treatment seems controversial. OCT can be considered to be a promising technique for monitoring disease progression under PAP therapy in patients with severe OSAS.