Short-Term Morphological and Quantitative Changes in Non-Exudative Macular Neovascularization Using Spectral-Domain OCT and OCT Angiography: A Pilot Study

TL;DR

This study tracks changes in non-exudative macular neovascularization over six months using advanced imaging techniques.

Contribution

The study introduces a novel approach to assess morphological complexity in NE-MNV using fractal dimensions and vessel characteristics.

Findings

Significant increases in fractal dimensions, vessel junctions, and vessel length were observed over six months.

NE-MNV area increased but not significantly, while standard OCT and OCTA parameters remained stable.

Higher fractal dimensions suggest increasing neovascular complexity, which may affect clinical monitoring.

Abstract

Background/Objectives: The aim of the current investigation was to assess the short-term changes in retinal-choroidal vasculature and the morphological complexity of non-exudative macular neovascularization (NE-MNV) using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). Methods: Sixteen eyes of 12 patients with NE-MNV underwent baseline and six-month follow-up examinations, including comprehensive ophthalmological assessment and imaging. Central macular thickness, foveal avascular zone, vessel density, flow area, and choroidal vascularity index were analyzed. NE-MNV morphology was quantitatively assessed for area, vessel characteristics, and fractal dimensions. Results: Significant changes in NE-MNV morphology were noted over six months, especially in fractal dimensions, vessel junctions, and vessel length (p-values: 0.01, 0.037, and 0.036, respectively). While there was an increase in the NE-MNV area, it did not reach statistical significance. No significant changes were shown regarding the standard SD-OCT and OCTA output parameters or choroidal measurements. Conclusions: The increase in NE-MNV fractal dimensions suggests rising complexity in the neovascular network and may indicate possible implications for clinical management. The correlation between baseline and follow-up measures underscores a trend toward complexity, pointing to the necessity for closer monitoring of patients with higher NE-MNV fractal dimensions.

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