# A Pilot Study Investigating the Relationship Between Choroidal Thickness and Choroidal Vascular Index and Coronary Artery Ectasia

## TL;DR

This study found that patients with coronary artery ectasia have thinner choroidal tissue and lower vascular index compared to healthy individuals, suggesting a potential link between eye and heart health.

## Contribution

The study introduces choroidal thickness and vascular index as potential biomarkers for coronary artery ectasia.

## Key findings

- Choroidal thickness at 500 µm nasal and temporal areas was significantly different between CAE patients and controls.
- The choroidal vascular index was significantly lower in patients with coronary artery ectasia.
- Ganglion cell layer thickness differed significantly between the two groups, but central macula and retinal nerve fiber layer thickness did not.

## Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study was to compare changes in choroidal thickness (ChT) and choroidal vascular index (CVI) between patients with coronary artery ectasia (CAE) and healthy individuals. Methods: This study included 34 patients with CAE and 40 age-matched healthy subjects with normal coronary arteries. Measurements of ChT and CVI were taken using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography, employing the binarization method for CVI calculation. Additional parameters, including central macula thickness (CMT), retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL), and ganglion cell layer (GCC) thickness, were also documented. Results: The results indicated no significant differences in either subfoveal ChT or in ChT at 1500 µm both nasal and temporal to the fovea. However, significant differences were noted in ChT at the 500 µm nasal and temporal areas. The CVI was found to be significantly lower in the CAE group compared to the healthy controls. Furthermore, this study noted a significant difference in GCC thickness between the two groups, while no significant differences were observed in CMT and RNFL measurements. Conclusions: The findings suggest that patients with CAE exhibit decreased ChT and CVI in comparison to healthy controls. This highlights the potential role of ChT and CVI as important markers of disease in coronary artery ectasia, offering valuable insights into systemic cardiovascular health.