Daijiworld Media Network- Vienna
Vienna, Jul 31: In a promising development in cardiovascular diagnostics, researchers from Austria have found that noninvasive retinal imaging could help identify patients at risk for coronary artery stenosis (CAS), a major contributor to heart disease-related deaths worldwide.
The findings, published in the Canadian Journal of Ophthalmology, come from a study led by Dr Maximilian Pawloff of the Medical University of Vienna. The research focused on the use of Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography (OCTA), a modern imaging technique that captures detailed images of the retina’s blood vessels without the need for injections or invasive procedures.
The study involved over 500 patients (982 eyes) who were scheduled to undergo coronary angiography (CA), the current gold standard for diagnosing coronary artery disease. Researchers used OCTA to analyze retinal microvascular parameters, particularly perfusion density (PD) and fractal dimension (FD)—markers that reflect the health and complexity of blood vessels—in both the superficial vascular plexus (SVP) and deep vascular plexus (DVP) of the retina.
Statistical results showed a significant correlation between reduced PD and FD and the presence of coronary artery stenosis. These changes were most evident in the macular region of the retina, particularly within the inner and outer rings, while no substantial variation was seen around the optic nerve.
Notably, patients’ left eyes showed lower PD and FD values than the right, indicating a potential asymmetry worth exploring further.
Dr Pawloff emphasized that while CA remains a necessary diagnostic tool, it is both invasive and costly—factors that limit its use in routine screening. “Our results highlight OCTA as a valuable noninvasive option to detect early vascular changes that may indicate heart disease,” he said.
The team believes that retinal imaging, when coupled with artificial intelligence, could revolutionize early detection strategies for heart disease. “This study opens the door to more refined, accessible screening methods that could help prioritize patients who truly need invasive testing,” the authors concluded.
As the global burden of heart disease continues to rise, these findings suggest a future where a simple eye scan might offer critical insights into cardiovascular health.