The retinal thickness as a marker of inflammation in acute HLA-B27-associated iridocyclites

    Abstract

    Astakhov S.Yu., Kuznetsova T.I., Beletskaya I.S., Chubarov A.I.

    The retinal thickness as a marker of inflammation in acute HLA-B27-associated iridocyclites

    SRR «Oftacon Expert»

    Introduction. The retinal thickness, measured by optical coherent tomography, serves as a non-invasive quantitative biomarker to assess inflammatory and structural changes in the retina. Understanding the pathological processes occurring in HLA-B27 associated iridocyclite and subclinically involving the retina can provide valuable insights into the pathology of the disease, treatment approaches, as well as prognosis of its outcomes.

    Purpose. To describe the changes occurring with retina thickness in patients with HLA-B27-associated iridocyclite during exacerbation and remission.

    Material and methods. This study included 34 patients with the diagnosis of «acute HLA-B27-associated iridocyclite or its exacerbation» in the period 2014–2025. Patients were divided into 3 groups: group 1 – patients in remission, group 2 – patients in acute without involvement of the posterior pole, group 3 – patients in acute with involvement of the posterior pole. Correlation analysis was then performed to establish significant changes in the thickness of the patch and the peripapillary layer of nerve fibers during periods of exacerbation and remission in the same patients.

    Results. In groups of patients with involvement of the posterior pole, a reduction in retinal thickness during remission was found. The value of the thickness of the retina has been established, above which the clinical involvement of the structures of the posterior segment of the eye should be expected.

    Conclusion. Statistically significant reduction of the retina thickness was demonstrated only in a group of patients with involvement of the posterior segment in the nasal, temporal and lower sector of the external macula (6 mm), as well as in the lower sector of the internal macula (3 mm) according to ETDRS macular map.

    Key words: mutilates; HLA-B27; retina; thickness