Cavitación coroidea asociada a coloboma macular. Estudio multimodal. Imagen en face / Choroid cavitation associated with macular coloboma. Multimodal study. Image en face

La cavitación intracoroidea es un hallazgo identificado con OCT descrito inicialmente en pacientes miopes, pero también aparece en pacientes no miopes. Puede presentarse tanto en el área peripapilar como en el polo posterior. El coloboma macular es un defecto del desarrollo embrionario del polo posterior, y en la OCT estructural es imprescindible la ausencia del epitelio pigmentario de la retina y de los vasos coroideos para su diagnóstico. Este caso presenta la cavitación intracoroidea circunscribiendo el coloboma macular, en ausencia de membrana intercalar. La imagen en face permite valorar la relación entre ambas estructuras, así como la magnitud de las mismas. (AU)

Intrachoroidal cavitation is a finding identified with OCT initially described in myopic patients, it also appears in non-myopic patients. It can occur in both the peripapillary area and the posterior pole. Macular coloboma is a defect of embryonic development of the posterior pole, in structural OCT the absence of the retinal pigment epithelium and choroidal vessels is essential. In this case, intrachoroidal cavitation circumscribes the macular coloboma, in the absence of an intercalary membrane. The face image allows us to assess the relationship between the two structures as well as their magnitude. (AU)

Choroid cavitation associated with macular coloboma. Multimodal study. Image en face.

Intrachoroidal cavitation is a finding identified with OCT initially described in myopic patients, it also appears in non-myopic patients. It can occur in both the peripapillary area and the posterior pole. Macular coloboma is a defect of embryonic development of the posterior pole, in structural OCT the absence of the retinal pigment epithelium and choroidal vessels is essential. In this case, intrachoroidal cavitation circumscribes the macular coloboma, in the absence of an intercalary membrane. The en face image allows us to assess the relationship between the two structures as well as their magnitude.

Factors associated with intrachoroidal cavitation and sinkhole formation in eyes with glaucomatous visual-field defects.

PURPOSE: To investigate factors associated with intrachoroidal cavitation (ICC) and sinkhole formation in eyes with glaucomatous visual-field defects. METHODS: This retrospective, cross-sectional study enrolled a total of 2808 eyes of 1482 patients who were diagnosed/treated for glaucoma and underwent swept-source optical coherence tomography (OCT). We first determined the prevalence of ICCs and sinkholes and their locations. Next, we selected one eye from each patient and compared the clinical characteristics of eyes with and without ICCs. Finally, in eyes with ICCs, we compared the clinical characteristics of eyes with and without sinkholes. Blood flow (BF), represented by laser speckle flowgraphy-measured tissue-area mean blur rate (MBR), was measured in the temporal optic nerve head (ONH), temporal peripapillary chorioretinal atrophy (PPA) zone, and in the ICC zone. ICC area and angle were analyzed in OCT en-face images. Mean deviation and total deviation in the central area (TD-central) were measured with Humphrey visual-field testing. RESULTS: A total of 86 eyes (3.1%) had ICCs and 52 eyes (1.9%) had sinkholes. ICC eyes had a lower spherical equivalent and longer axial length (AL) than non-ICC eyes (P < 0.05). Patients with eyes with sinkholes were more elderly and had worse best-corrected visual acuity, worse TD-central, a larger ICC, and lower tissue-area MBR in the temporal ONH, temporal PPA zone, and ICC zone (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: In eyes with glaucoma, AL elongation might be linked to ICC formation. Sinkhole formation might be associated with ICC enlargement, impaired ocular BF, and impaired retinal structure and function involving the central area.

Peripapillary intrachoroidal cavitation at the crossroads of peripapillary myopic changes.

AIM: To analyze the prevalence of peripapillary intra-choroidal cavitation (PICC) in eyes with gamma peripapillary atrophy (γPPA), in eyes with peripapillary staphyloma (PPS) and in those combining γPPA and PPS and to analyze border tissue discontinuity in PICC. METHODS: This prospective cross-sectional non interventional study included highly myopic eyes. Non-highly myopic eyes were used as control. Radial and linear scans centered on the optic nerve head were performed using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography. Variables were analyzed along the twelve hourly optical coherence tomography sections in both eyes of each subject. RESULTS: A total of 667 eyes of 334 subjects were included: 229 (34.3%) highly myopic eyes and 438 (65.7%) non highly myopic eyes. The mean age of the highly myopic group was 48.99±17.81y. PICC was found in a total of 40 eyes and in 13.2% (29/220) of highly myopic eyes. PICC was found in 10.4% (40/386) of eyes with γPPA, in 20.5% (40/195) of eyes with PPS and in 22.7% (40/176) of those combining γPPA and PPS. All the eyes with PICC showed the co-existence of γPPA and PPS whereas none of the eyes presenting only one of these entities exhibited PICC. A border tissue discontinuity in the γPPA area was found in all eyes with PICC. CONCLUSION: We confirm the presence of a border tissue discontinuity in the γPPA area of all eyes with PICC. These findings suggest the involvement of mechanical factors in the pathogenesis of PICC which may contribute to PICC-related visual field defects.

Myopic (Peri)papillary Changes and Visual Field Defects.

Purpose: Myopic eyes combining gamma peripapillary atrophy and peripapillary staphyloma were sorted according to the presence of intrachoroidal cavitation (PICCs) or its absence (combinations). Visual field defects (VFDs) and factors discriminating these groups were analyzed. Methods: These groups were sorted by optical coherence tomography. VFDs were assessed using the Humphrey® Field Analyzer 3, SITA standard. Ovality index (OI) was the ratio between the shortest and longest diameters of the disc. The proportions of PICCs, lamina cribrosa defects (LCDs) and clusters in each Garway-Heath's sector (A-F) were analyzed. All variables were compared between PICCs and combinations. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed ultimately. Results: Of the 93 eyes, we obtained, 20 PICCs and 73 combinations. The prevalence of VFDs and LCDs in PICCs were 65% (13/20) and 30% (6/20), respectively. PICCs 85% (17/20) and LCDs 12% (11/93) predominated in sector B (inferotemporal) and clusters 9.7% (9/93) in the corresponding sector. The proportion of VFDs was significantly higher in PICCs than combinations (p < 0.001). In sector B, the proportion of LCDs was significantly higher in PICCs than combinations (p = 0.011). The mean OI was significantly lower (p < 0.001) in PICCs than combinations. Multivariate logistic regression analysis concluded that mean OI (p < 0.001) was the only statistically significant factor discriminating PICCs and combinations. Conclusion: Mean OI discriminating PICCs from combinations is further evidence of a gradation of structural changes between them. It could be related to the higher proportion of VFDs in PICCs. The predominant distribution of PICCs infero-temporally supports PICC as a cause of uncertainty in glaucoma diagnosis in high myopia. Furthermore, the highest proportion of PICCs and LCDs in this sector highlights its vulnerability to damage in myopic eyes and deserves further investigation as it is also primarily involved in glaucoma.

Peripapillary Intrachoroidal Cavitation.

Peripapillary intrachoroidal cavitation (PICC) is a yellow-orange lesion, located at the outer border of the myopic conus. First described as a localized detachment of the retinal pigment epithelium, its intrachoroidal location was later revealed, justifying its current name. PICC is related to other myopic complications such as posterior staphyloma, but its pathogenesis is not clear to date. Although it has been considered a benign condition, most eyes with PICC show visual field defects, which leads to diagnostic uncertainty as these deficits resemble those seen in glaucoma. Furthermore, eyes with PICC may develop macular detachment with retinoschisis. Finally, misdiagnosis of PICC as a metastatic choroidal tumor may lead to unnecessary and anxiety-inducing investigations. Advances in optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging have improved the visualization of ocular structures, contributing to the understanding of PICC. Recently, high optic nerve sheath traction forces during eye movements in highly myopic eyes have been suggested as promoters of PICC, renewing interest around this condition. However, a review of PICC is still lacking. Therefore, we aimed to provide a concise yet comprehensive overview of the current state of the art, focusing on OCT illustrations, pathophysiology and potential future perspectives based on the biomechanics of the optic nerve.

Update on the Utility of Optical Coherence Tomography in the Analysis of the Optic Nerve Head in Highly Myopic Eyes with and without Glaucoma.

Glaucoma diagnosis in highly myopic subjects by optic nerve head (ONH) imaging is challenging as it is difficult to distinguish structural defects related to glaucoma from myopia-related defects in these subjects. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) has evolved to become a routine examination at present, providing key information in the assessment of glaucoma based on the study of the ONH. However, the correct segmentation and interpretation of the ONH data employing OCT is still a challenge in highly myopic patients. High-resolution OCT images can help qualitatively and quantitatively describe the structural characteristics and anatomical changes in highly myopic subjects with and without glaucoma. The ONH and peripapillary area can be analyzed to measure the myopic atrophic-related zone, the existence of intrachoroidal cavitation, staphyloma, and ONH pits by OCT. Similarly, the lamina cribosa observed in the OCT images may reveal anatomical changes that justify visual defects. Several quantitative parameters of the ONH obtained from OCT images were proposed to predict the progression of visual defects in glaucoma subjects. Additionally, OCT images help identify factors that may negatively influence the measurement of the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) and provide better analysis using new parameters, such as Bruch's Membrane Opening-Minimum Rim Width, which serves as an alternative to RNFL measurements in highly myopic subjects due to its superior diagnostic ability.

Vitrectomy for macular retinoschisis associated with peripapillary intrachoroidal cavitations in a moderately myopic eye.

BACKGROUND: Peripapillary intrachoroidal cavitation (PICC), a cavernous change in the peripapillary choroid, may present with macular lesions. Here, we present a rare case of PICC with outer lamellar macular hole and macular retinoschisis. CASE PRESENTATION: A 69-year-old man presented with metamorphopsia in the left eye. Fundus examination revealed macular retinoschisis and PICCs. Pars plana vitrectomy with fovea sparing internal limiting membrane peeling (FSIP) was performed. Three weeks postoperatively, the patient developed rhegmatogenous retinal detachment and underwent a second vitrectomy. The macular retinoschisis resolved without macular hole formation and the patient's visual acuity improved. There were no recurrent macular lesions over the three years of postoperative follow-up. Postoperative spectral-domain optical coherence tomography scan revealed a communication between the PICC and the vitreous cavity. CONCLUSIONS: This case shed light on understanding development of PICC in non-highly myopic eyes and a rare complication of macular retinoschisis. Vitrectomy with FSIP may effectively resolve macular retinoschisis.

Analysis of Peripapillary Intrachoroidal Cavitation and Myopic Peripapillary Distortions in Polar Regions by Optical Coherence Tomography.

Purpose: To compare the peripapillary polar characteristics in eyes combining peripapillary staphyloma and gamma peripapillary atrophy according to whether peripapillary intrachoroidal cavitation (PICC) was present or absent (combination-group). Patients and methods: This prospective non-interventional cross-sectional study included 667 eyes of 334 subjects. From the polar peripapillary regions to the opening of Bruch's membrane, the following elements and their topographic relationships were analyzed using optical coherence tomography sections: configuration of the posterior curvature of the choroid, visibility of the subarachnoid space (SAS), and suprachoroidal detachment (SCD). Chi-squared and Fisher exact tests were used for statistical analysis. Results: The protrusion of the posterior choroidal wall, with anterior elevation on either side, observed in both groups progressed and transformed into a wedge-shaped deformity on the side of gamma peripapillary atrophy. This wedge configuration was significantly more frequent in PICC-group than in combination-group (p = 0.004 and p < 0.001) for the upper and lower poles, respectively. SAS was more frequently observed in PICC-group than in combination-group (p = 0.002 and p < 0.001) for the upper and lower poles, respectively. SCD was detected exclusively in PICC-group (p < 0.001, both poles). The wedge-shaped configuration and the SCD were aligned antero-posteriorly with the SAS. Conclusion: We confirmed that PICC is an SCD. We observed its constant alignment with the SAS. We suggest that the tensile forces of the optic nerve sheaths during adduction promote the collapse of the scleral flange onto the SAS, leading to PICC. Further studies are warranted to confirm this hypothesis.

The 'Fault' Lies in the Choroid: Peripapillary Intrachoroidal Cavitation Presenting with Progressive Vision Loss.

A 55-year-old male was referred to the Neuro-ophthalmology clinic due to gradual onset, progressive vision loss. On fundus examination a subtle yellow-orange peripapillary lesion was detected in the left eye. Optical coherence tomography with radial scanning illustrated retinal nerve fibre layer thinning as well as an area of intrachoroidal cavitation that corresponded to the lesion. Visual field testing showed a left inferior arcuate defect. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain and orbit, and laboratory testing was unremarkable. Clinical examination, imaging, and testing were consistent with peripapillary intrachoroidal cavitation (PICC). Follow-up with serial visual field testing showed mild progression of the field defect. While PICC is not well understood in the literature, studies have reported associated risk factors including pathological myopia, older age, increased ocular axial length, chorioretinal atrophy, and vascular abnormalities. Importantly, glaucoma-like visual field defects as well as structural changes have been noticed in a high proportion of patients with PICC. While these alterations are evident, the pathogenic relationship between them is yet to be uncovered. Treatment with anti-glaucoma medications has been suggested, however, the evidence remains scarce for its true benefits. Care providers must be aware of the presentation of a yellow-orange peripapillary lesion with an associated visual field defect to accurately diagnose and manage this condition.

Intercalary membrane break and detachment causes intrachoroidal cavitation in macular coloboma.

PURPOSE: To describe the clinical and imaging features in a series of patients diagnosed with macular coloboma (MC) and intrachoroidal cavitation (ICC). METHODS: Patients diagnosed with MC based on clinical examination between June 2017 and July 2021 were retrieved from the electronic medical record system and were included in the study. Colour fundus photographs, optical coherence tomography (OCT) and Multicolour® imaging scans of these patients were analysed. RESULTS: We identified 16 eyes of 11 patients with MC on fundus examination. Based on OCT imaging features, conforming variant of MC was seen in 9 (56%) eyes and non-conforming variant in 7 (44%) eyes. No eyes with MC in the study showed features of both conforming and non-conforming varieties simultaneously. In the non-conforming variety of MC with presence of intercalary membrane break, ICC was identified in 5 (71%) of these eyes. ICC in MC appeared as flat, dark greenish areas with or without an orange-coloured boundary abutting the margin of the coloboma on Multicolour® imaging. CONCLUSION: In 31% eyes, ICC was seen in non-conforming type of MC and was well-identified on Multicolour® imaging. It appears that presence of intercalary membrane break and detachment are prerequisites for developing ICC.

Optical coherence tomography angiography in myopic peripapillary intrachoroidal cavitation complicated by choroidal neovascularization.

PURPOSE: To detect the vessel density (VD) of the radial peripapillary capillary (RPC) in eyes affected by pathological myopia with or without a peripapillary intrachoroidal cavitation (PICC) and in eyes with PICC complicated by choroidal neovascularization (CNV), using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). METHODS: We prospectively enrolled highly myopic patients from January 2016 to December 2019 at the Eye Clinic of the University of Naples "Federico II." We divided included patients into three groups: group 1 including patients with PICC complicated by CNV; group 2 including patients with PICC without complications; group 3 including patients with high myopia without PICC and CNV. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Bonferroni post hoc analysis was used to evaluate differences in VD of radial peripapillary capillary (RPC) in papillary whole, peripapillary regions and its sectors among the three groups. RESULTS: We enrolled 12 highly myopic eyes with PICC complicated by CNV, 21 highly myopic eyes with PICC without CNV and 23 highly myopic eyes without PICC. The myopic eyes with PICC revealed a statistically significant reduction in VD of the RPC comparing to the other groups (p < 0.001), especially in eyes affected by myopic PICC complicated by CNV (p < 0.001). These results were similar analyzing the VD in different sectors of the peripapillary region among the three groups (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: OCTA detects the changes in peripapillary vascular density of highly myopic eyes. We demonstrated that the RPC vasculature is significantly influenced by the presence of PICC, especially in myopic eyes developing a CNV.

Parapapillary Intrachoroidal Cavitation in Glaucoma: Association with Choroidal Microvasculature Dropout.

PURPOSE: To characterize the choroidal microvasculature in glaucomatous eyes with parapapillary intrachoroidal cavitation (PICC) using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) and its association with parapapillary choroidal microvasculature dropout (MvD). METHODS: This study included 47 glaucomatous eyes with PICC, as identified by color fundus photography and optical coherence tomography scanning of the optic nerve head area. Peripapillary choroidal microvasculature was evaluated on en-face OCTA images. Choroidal MvD was defined as a focal sectoral capillary dropout with no visible microvascular network. RESULTS: PICC was visible as a well-demarcated area with homogeneously reduced vessel density in en-face OCTA images of the choroidal layer. MvD was detected in 42 eyes (89.4%). Although located in the juxtapapillary area adjacent to the PICC, MvD was confined to the area of parapapillary atrophy. MvD observed in OCTA en-face images was distinguished from the area of PICC by the absence of vascular signal. Of the 50 PICCs, 49 (98.0%) had hemifield visual field defects at the location corresponding to the hemispheric location of PICC. CONCLUSIONS: PICC was found to have a characteristic microvascular feature in choroidal en-face OCTA images, and to be topographically associated with glaucomatous visual field defect. PICC was frequently accompanied by MvD and was located adjacent to the area of MvD, suggesting that PICC and MvD have similar pathogenesis.

Choroidal Cavitary Disorders.

The structure and functions of the choroid have been long acknowledged but the pathophysiology behind various anomalies has been difficult to understand until the advent of optical coherence tomography (OCT). With OCT imaging, choroidal cavitations appear as optically empty spaces between the outer retinal and choroidal layers with attenuation or loss of outer retinal layers. Choroidal cavitations are found in the posterior pole and seen in conditions such as pathologic myopia, north carolina macular dystrophy (NCMD), focal choroidal excavation (FCE), and torpedo maculopathy (TM). To date, these disorders have not been linked. A commonality they all share is malformation of the RPE-photoreceptor-choroid complex. The following report describes the differences and similarities of choroidal cavitation amongst the different retinal disorders and emphasizes the importance of multimodal imaging in the detection and management of potential complications.

"Macular sink hole" with intrachoroidal cavitation in a case of pathological myopia.

Intrachoroidal cavitation (ICC) is a morphological feature outlined by optical coherence tomography and is characterized by presence of a hyporeflective space beneath the unaltered retinal pigment epithelium. It can be peripapillary or macular in location. Macular ICCs are reported in both myopic and non-myopic eyes. We report a case of full thickness macular hole with retinal incarceration into the macular ICC in a patient with pathological myopia. The term "Peripapillary sink hole" has been described in the literature. We propose the use of term "Macular sink hole" for our case owing to similar findings in the macula.

Secondary intrachoroidal cavitation in a case of iridofundal coloboma.

Intrachoroidal cavitation is a morphological entity usually described in high myopic eyes. It is usually seen in peripapillary location, though macular location has also been reported. It has been associated with optic disc tilting and posterior staphyloma. We report a case of a 27 year old female who presented to us with recent onset scotoma in her visual field. On examination she had a fundal coloboma with intercalary membrane detachment with intrachoroidal cavitation at the edge of the coloboma. We hypothetise that this intrachoroidal cavitation is a secondary phenomenon and is responsible for recent onset scotoma in her visual field.

Intrachoroidal cavitation in myopic eyes.

PURPOSE: To determine the incidence and characteristics of intrachoroidal cavitation (ICC) in the eyes with high myopia. METHODS: In this retrospective, non-interventional, comparative study, we analysed the case records of 108 eyes with and without pathological myopia (PM). PM was defined as having a refractive error (spherical equivalent) of ≥ - 6.0 D or axial length ≥ 26 mm. The presence of other features like posterior vitreous detachment, myopic traction maculopathy, posterior staphyloma, focal/patchy chorioretinal atrophy (CRA), choroidal neovascularisation and retinoschisis was looked for on OCT. The association of these features with ICC was analysed using statistical tests. RESULTS: In this study, 38 out of 68 eyes with PM and 4 out of 40 eyes with non-PM showed the bowing of the posterior sclera and the presence of ICC. On statistical analysis with Chi-square test and multiple variable linear regression analysis tests, it was identified that the presence of focal/patchy CRA (p = 0.005) and intrascleral vessels (p = 0.018) in and around the cavitation was important features noted in eyes with ICC. The OCT features of macular and peripapillary ICC were similar. The transudation of fluid from the dilated intrascleral vessels in and around the ICC could be one other mechanism responsible for the development of ICC. CONCLUSION: ICC is seen in 55.8% of highly myopic eyes with the presence of focal CRA or myopic conus and/or presence of intrascleral vessels near the cavitation. These findings suggest that patchy atrophy affects the scleral contour within posterior staphyloma beyond the funduscopically identified patchy atrophy by ICC. The presence of intrascleral vessels could also contribute to the ICC development. Eyes with patchy CRA or myopic conus needs to be checked on further follow-up visits for the development of macular or peripapillary ICC.

Multi-modality imaging findings of huge intrachoroidal cavitation and myopic peripapillary sinkhole.

BACKGROUND: Peripapillary intrachoroidal cavitation was described as the presence of an asymptomatic, well-circumscribed, yellow-orange, peripapillary lesion at the inferior border of the myopic conus in eyes with high myopia. CASE PRESENTATION: A 66-year-old myopic Chinese man was enrolled and his multi-color imaging examination showed a well-circumscribed, caesious, peripapillary lesion coalesced with the optic nerve head vertically rotated and obliquely tilted, together with an inferotemporal sinkhole in the myopic conus. The optical coherence tomography images showed an intrachoroidal hyporeflective space, schisis, an intracavitary septum located below the retinal pigment epithelium and inserted beneath the optic nerve head, as well as a sinkhole between the peripapillary intrachoroidal cavitation and the vitreous space. CONCLUSIONS: Both myopic colobomas and sinkhole in myopic conus may contribute the coalescence of intrachoroidal cavitation with optic nerve head. These qualitative and quantitative new findings will be beneficial for understanding its pathomorphological mechanism, and the impact on optic nerve tissue of myopic patients.

Exploration of peripapillary vessel density in highly myopic eyes with peripapillary intrachoroidal cavitation and its relationship with ocular parameters using optical coherence tomography angiography.

IMPORTANCE: Identifying changes of peripapillary vessel density in highly myopic eyes with peripapillary intrachoroidal cavitation by optical coherence tomography angiography. BACKGROUND: To investigate peripapillary vessel density and its relationship with other ocular parameters in highly myopic eyes with peripapillary intrachoroidal cavitation. DESIGN: Hospital-based, cross-sectional study. PARTICIPANTS: Thirty-five highly myopic eyes with peripapillary intrachoroidal cavitation, 46 highly myopic eyes without peripapillary intrachoroidal cavitation and 36 normal eyes were included in this study. METHODS: All participants underwent optical coherence tomography angiography to image the retinal vasculature in the peripapillary areas, including the radial peripapillary capillaries and optic nerve head layer. Correlations between vessel density and ocular metrics were analysed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Peripapillary vessel density. RESULTS: In highly myopic eyes, vessel density was significantly lower in eyes with peripapillary intrachoroidal cavitation than in those without in peripapillary (P = 0.014, P = 0.037), inferotemporal (P < 0.001, P < 0.001) and superotemporal (P = 0.014, P = 0.009) areas. In the radial peripapillary capillaries layer, vessel density was negatively correlated with peripapillary atrophy area (P = 0.012) and myopic maculopathy (P = 0.002), and in the optic nerve head layer, it was negatively associated with a diagnosis of peripapillary intrachoroidal cavitation (P = 0.012) and myopic maculopathy (P < 0.001). In addition, it was positively correlated with retinal nerve fibre layer thickness in both layers (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Highly myopic eyes with peripapillary intrachoroidal cavitation had lower peripapillary vessel densities, especially in the temporal area, than those without.

Peripapillary vessel density and the relevant factors in highly myopic eyes with peripapillary intrachoroidal cavitation / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

AIM:To investigate peripapillary vessel density and its relationship with other ocular parameters in highly myopic eyes with peripapillary intrachoroidal cavitation (PICC), and to analyze risk factors for PICC.METHODS:Cross-sectional study.A total of 35 highly myopic eyes with PICC, 40 highly myopic eyes without PICC and 35 normal eyes were included in this study.All participants underwent fundus photography and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT).OCT angiography was also performed to image the retinal vasculature in the peripapillary areas of different sectors, including the radial peripapillary capillaries (RPC) and optic nerve head (ONH) layer.The difference of morphology changes in optic disc and peripapillary vessel density between these three groups were compared.Correlations between peripapillary vessel density and PICC and risk factors for the presence of PICC were analyzed.RESULTS: Significant differences were found among the three groups in spherical equivalent refraction (SER), best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), axial length, peripapillary atrophy β-zone (β-PPA) area, retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness and the presence of tilted optic disc, posterior staphyloma and myopic maculopathy (MMD) (P<0.05).There were significant differences among the three groups in the peripapillary vessel density both in RPC (54.34±5.58, 57.54±7.44, 64.42±3.50) and ONH (51.24±7.43, 52.75±9.96, 61.25±4.15) layers (P<0.001).In highly myopic eyes, vessel density was significantly lower in eyes with PICC than in those without in inferotemporal area both in the RPC (56.76±6.62,63.84±6.02,67.52±4.78) and ONH (56.47±5.79,60.38±4.72,64.18±4.37) layers.The vessel density was significantly correlated with the presence of MMD, β-PPA area and RNFL thickness in the RPC layer, whereas correlated with the presence of MMD, PICC and RNFL thickness in the ONH layer (P<0.05).Tilted optic disc and posterior staphyloma were independent risk factors for the presence of PICC (OR=8.007, 95%CI: 2.045-31.348;OR=7.558, 95%CI: 1.398-50.026).CONCLUSION:Highly myopic eyes with PICC had relatively lower peripapillary vessel densities, especially in the temporal area, than those without.Tilted optic disc and posterior staphyloma were independent risk factors for the presence of PICC.