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.

KEYWORDS:

• Behçet’s uveitis
• fluorescein angiography
• inflammation
• macrophage-like cell
• optical coherence tomography

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Data availability statement

Data are available on reasonable request.

Availability of data and materials: available from the corresponding author on reasonable request. Email: [email protected].

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China [Grant Number: 82070970].