The role of choriocapillaris vessel density in the pathogenesis of macular neovascularization associated with choroidal osteoma

Purpose To detect the vessel density of choriocapillaris (CC) vascular network in eyes affected by choroidal osteoma and in eyes complicated by macular neovascularization (MNV), using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA).Methods In this retrospective study, twenty-eight eyes of 28 patients were divided into three groups: group 1 including patients with calcified choroidal osteoma, group 2 including patients with decalcified choroidal osteoma, and group 3 including patients with decalcified choroidal osteoma complicated by MNV. OCTA analyzed the vessel density of CC in these lesions localized in the peripapillary region.Results We enrolled 12 eyes with calcified choroidal osteoma, 11 eyes with decalcified choroidal osteoma, and 5 eyes with decalcified choroidal osteoma complicated by MNV. The eyes with decalcified choroidal osteoma and MNV revealed a statistically significant reduction in vessel density of the CC respect to the other groups (p < 0.001). Moreover, the vessel density of CC in decalcified choroidal osteoma was significantly reduced compared to calcified choroidal osteoma (p < 0.001).Conclusions OCTA allowed a quantitative evaluation of choriocapillaris vessel density in choroidal osteoma, in order to detect the changes of this vascular network, which could lead to the development of MNV. Therefore, OCTA could be a new diagnostic tool in the clinical management of the choroidal osteoma.

Automated summary

This study aimed to detect the vessel density of choriocapillaris (CC) vascular network in eyes with choroidal osteoma and in eyes complicated by macular neovascularization (MNV) using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). The results showed that the eyes with decalcified choroidal osteoma and MNV had a significantly reduced vessel density of the CC compared to the other groups, and the vessel density of the CC in decalcified choroidal osteoma was significantly reduced compared to calcified choroidal osteoma.