Volume-rendering three-dimensional image analysis of macular neovascularization in age-related macular degeneration

BackgroundTo visualize and investigate the three-dimensional (3D) images of macular neovascularization (MNV) in eyes with neovascular age-related macular degeneration using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) according to the treatment response to intravitreal aflibercept injection (IVI).MethodsOCTA images at baseline and 12 weeks (after three loading IVIs) were retrospectively reconstructed as 3D images for patients with type 1 and 2 MNV treated with the pro-re-nata regimen. The fluid-free and persistent fluid groups were divided according to the presence of subretinal and intraretinal fluid at 12 weeks after treatment. Using reconstructed 3D images of MNV, the volume, average volume per slice, and z-axis of the volumetric structure were evaluated.ResultsTwenty-three and nine were classified into the fluid-free and persistent fluid groups, respectively. The MNV volume decreased significantly from baseline to 12 weeks in the fluid-free group (p = 0.005), not in the persistent fluid group (p = 0.250). The average volume of MNV per slice at 12 weeks correlated with the persistent fluid group in both the univariate and multivariate analyses (p = 0.034, p = 0.039, Exp [B] = 14.005).ConclusionsThis study may provide a perspective on vascular volumetric changes of MNV according to treatment response.

Automated summary

This study visualized and investigated the three-dimensional images of macular neovascularization (MNV) using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) and examined the changes in vascular volume according to the treatment response. The results showed that the volume of MNV decreased significantly in the fluid-free group after treatment, while there was no significant change in the persistent fluid group.