Detection of subclinical microvascular changes in systemic lupus erythematous using optical coherence tomography angiography: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Autores da FMUP

• André De Sousa Ferreira

  Autor

• Rafael José Monteiro Da Silva Vieira

  Autor

• José Paulo Alves Vieira De Andrade

  Autor

Participantes de fora da FMUP

• Furtado, MJ
• Lume, M
• Menéres, P

Unidades de investigação

• Biomedicina

• Laboratório Associado RISE- Rede de Investigação em Saúde

  

  Investigador

  Fernando Carlos De Landér Schmitt

• Medicina da Comunidade, Informação e Decisão em Saúde

• RISE-Health

  

  Investigador

  Fernando Carlos De Landér Schmitt

Abstract

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic, systemic, autoimmune connective tissue disease that affects several vascular territories. We sought to assess the role of optical coherence tomography angiography in detecting subclinical microvascular alterations in SLE patients. PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were systematically searched until January 21, 2023. Studies using optical coherence tomography angiography as a primary diagnostic method to evaluate the macular microvasculature of SLE patients versus healthy controls were included. Primary outcomes were macular vessel density and foveal zone parameters. A meta-analysis was performed using a random-effects model. Of 301 screened abstracts, 15 were found eligible, enrolling 1,246 eyes from 1,013 patients. SLE patients presented a reduction of macular vessel density at both plexuses in all zones (whole scan, fovea, parafovea, and perifovea), and of foveal density compared with healthy controls. No differences were found at foveal avascular zone parameters. SLE patients presented a reduction of macular vessel density without signs or symptoms of SLE ocular involvement. Optical coherence tomography angiography application for the assessment of subclinical microvascular changes needs to be elucidated with longitudinal studies.(c) 2023 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Keywords

• Autoimmune diseases; Systemic lupus erythematous; Macula lutea; Microvasculature; Optical coherence tomography; angiography