Choroidal vascularity index and choroidal thickness assessment in vitiligo

Abstract

Background: To evaluate structural changes in the choroid by measuring choroidal thickness and vascularity index using optical coherence tomography in patients with vitiligo and comparing them to healthy subjects. Methods: This study included 168 participants: 84 with vitiligo (30 females, 54 males) and 84 controls (36 females, 48 males). Choroidal thickness and vascularity index were measured using the enhanced depth imaging mode in spectral-domain optical coherence tomography. The choroidal thickness was measured at the following five points; subfoveal (SF), 500 mu m (NCT1) and 1000 mu m (NCT2) nasal to the fovea; and 500 mu m (TCT1) and 1000 mu m (TCT2) temporal to the fovea. The choroidal vascularity index was calculated using the ImageJ software. Results: SF (p < 0.001), NCT1 (p < 0.001), NCT2 (p = 0.021), TCT1 (p = 0.001), and TCT2 (p < 0.006) choroidal thicknesses were significantly smaller in the vitiligo group than in the control group. Total choroidal (p < 0.001) and stromal (p < 0.001) areas were significantly smaller in the vitiligo group than in the control group. Choroidal vascularity indices were significantly higher in the vitiligo group than in the control group (p < 0.001). However, luminal areas did not differ significantly between groups (p = 0.935). Conclusion: Patients with vitiligo should be regularly monitored for choroidal alterations and, if necessary, referred to an ophthalmologist.