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Review paper
Published: 06.11.2023. Biochemistry
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https://doi.org/10.17392/1633-23

Does SarsCoV-2 infection really cause damage to retinal microcirculation in mild cases of COVID-19?

By
Adisa Pilavdžić Orcid logo ,
Adisa Pilavdžić
Contact Adisa Pilavdžić

Eye Clinic, University Clinical Centre Tuzla, Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina

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Suzana Pavljašević ,
Suzana Pavljašević

Eye Polyclinic Health Centre, Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina

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Amra Nadarević Vodenčarević ,
Amra Nadarević Vodenčarević

Eye Clinic, University Clinical Centre Tuzla, Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina

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Anis Međedović ,
Anis Međedović

Eye Clinic, University Clinical Centre Tuzla, Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina

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Meliha Halilbašić ,
Meliha Halilbašić

Eye Clinic, University Clinical Centre Tuzla, Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina

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Alma Čičkušić ,
Alma Čičkušić

Eye Clinic, University Clinical Centre Tuzla, Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina

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Nejra Hodžić ,
Nejra Hodžić

Department of Ophthalmology , Plava Medical Group Tuzla, Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina

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Sumeja Terzić ,
Sumeja Terzić

Eye Clinic, University Clinical Centre Tuzla, Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina

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Azra Šmigalović ,
Azra Šmigalović

Eye Polyclinic , Health Centre Kalesija, Kalesija, Bosnia and Herzegovina

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Sanela Muhović
Sanela Muhović

Eye Clinic, University Clinical Centre Tuzla, Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina

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Abstract

Aim
To evaluate changes of retinal microcirculation in mild cases of recovered COVID-19 patients at least three months after the infection by optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) non-invasive method.
Methods
In this prospective cross-sectional study, 50 right eyes of 50 recovered COVID-19 patients were compared with 50 right
eyes of age and gender-matched healthy controls. After the complete ophthalmological examination, all participants underwent OCTA measurements (RTVue XR Avanti, Optovue, Fremont, CA, USA).
Results
The time between the initial onset of symptoms, and ophthalmologic examination was 479.20 ±197.10 (126-754)
days. Findings of ophthalmic examination of all eyes of the recovered COVID-19 patients were within normal range. Significantly reduced superficial (p=0.046) and deep (p=0.044) macular vessel density (VD) in foveal region in the eyes of the recovered COVID-19 patients was found compared with healthy controls. Significantly enlarged foveal avascular zone (FAZ) area and perimeter in the eyes of the recovered COVID-19 patients (p<0.001) were found too.
Conclusion
Recovered COVID-19 patients have impaired retinal microcirculation, which can be a cause of the development of retinal vascular diseases.

Keywords:

coronavirus,
OCT angiography,
retina,
vascular density

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