Long-Term Effect of SARS-CoV-2 Infection on the Retinal and Choroidal Microvasculature

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the persistent changes in microvascular parameters based on optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) in patients hospitalized due to COVID-19 bilateral pneumonia. The case-control prospective study was carried out among 49 patients with COVID-19 and 45 healthy age- and gender-matched 2 and 8 months after hospital discharge. We found a significantly decreased vessel density (VD) in superficial capillary plexus (SCP) in COVID-19 patients. Significantly decreased vessel density (VD) in the superficial capillary plexus (SCP), the deep capillary plexus (DCP), and choriocapillaris (CC), with significantly increased vessel density observed in the choriocapillaris in the foveal area (FCC). The foveal avascular zone in DCP (FAZd) was significantly increased in the COVID-19 group. We found differences between OCTA parameters according to gender. The foveal VD in SCP and DCP was significantly decreased in women compared to men. The FAZ area in SCP (FAZs) and superior VD in the choriocapillaris (SCC) were significantly increased in women. In conclusion, we noticed persistent changes in the ocular parameters of OCTA in COVID-19 patients. At the second follow-up visit, we observed a widened FAZ zone in SCP and decreased VD in some regions of the retina and choroid.

Automated summary

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the persistent changes in microvascular parameters based on OCTA in patients hospitalized due to COVID-19 bilateral pneumonia. We found significantly decreased vessel density (VD) in SCP in COVID-19 patients, as well as decreased VD in DCP and CC, with increased VD in FCC. Gender differences were also observed, with decreased foveal VD in SCP and DCP in women compared to men, while increased FAZ area in SCP and superior VD in SCC were found in women. In conclusion, persistent changes in OCTA ocular parameters were noticed in COVID-19 patients.