P-54 Retinal Vessel Density Evaluated with Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography in Diabetic Retinopathy and the Association with Risk of Cardiovascular Disease – A Preliminary Analysis
Author(s):
V Ihezue , S Goindoo , K Harrynarine , A Khan , R Matthew , W Ramgoolie , R Seemongal-Dass , JS Mohan
Year of Presentation:
2025
Objective:
1. To determine retinal vessel density using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A), in diabetic
individuals with (DR) and without diabetic retinopathy
(Non-DR) and non-diabetic individuals (Controls) in
Trinidad and Tobago.
2. To investigate the association between the retinal vessel
density and a cardiovascular disease risk score.
Methods: A cross-sectional study with a convenience sample of participants aged ≥18 years (n=111: 10 DR, 58 Non-DR, 43 Controls) was conducted at a private ophthalmology clinic in Chaguanas (May–June 2024). Sociodemographic, lifestyle, medical history, and anthropometric data were collected via interviewer-administered questionnaires. Laboratory data, including HbA1c, lipid profiles and blood pressure, were obtained from files. Retinal vessel density in the superior capillary plexus (SCP-RVD) was measured using OCT-A, and a 10-year cardiovascular risk score was calculated using the American Heart Association (AHA) Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease (ASCVD) risk calculator.
Results: SCP-RVD in each eye was not significantly different across the three study groups. A weak, non-significant negative linear correlation was observed between SCPRVD in the right eye and the ASCVD risk score (r= -0.222; p = 0.297), but not in the left eye (r= 0.166; p=0.438). However, the ASCVD risk score [median (IQR)] was significantly different across the three study groups [DR:17.4 (8.8-25.9); Non-DR: 13.9 (6.9-22.9); Controls: 2.3 (0.9- 11.5); p=0.035].
Conclusion: In this preliminary analysis, SCP-RVD was not significantly different between diabetic individuals compared with controls, nor was there any statistically significant association of SCP-RVD with ASCVD risk score. Further analysis in larger samples of the study groups is needed to demonstrate any true existing differences or associations.