Macrophage-like Cells Characterized by En Face Optical Coherence Tomography was Associated with Fluorescein Vascular Leakage in Behçet's Uveitis.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To investigate the features of macrophage-like cell (MLC) characterized by en face optical coherence tomography (OCT) in Behçet's uveitis (BU). METHODS: The extent of fluorescein vascular leakage (FVL) was graded on a scale of 0-3 (0=none, 1=mild, 2=moderate, 3=severe) for the optic nerve head (ONH), macula and peripheral retina. The 3µm en face OCT slabs on inner limiting membrane of ONH or macular region was used to visualize the MLCs. RESULTS: The MLC densities of BU group in ONH and macular region were significantly higher than the control group (both p<0.001). The ONH and macular MLC density were significantly higher in eyes with higher FVL grade and they were positively correlated with FVL score (all p<0.001). CONCLUSION: MLC density was elevated in Behçet's uveitis and it may serve as a noninvasive indicator for the severity of fluorescein leakage and retinal inflammation in Behcet's uveitis.