Corneal endothelial cell density and microvascular changes of retina and optic disc in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease

Purpose: Vascular endothelial dysfunction in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) may affect the retinal vascular parameters due to structural similarities of kidney and retina. We aimed to evaluate the microvascular changes of retina and optic disc and also corneal endothelial cell density in patients with ADPKD. Methods: Forty-six eyes of 23 patients with ADPKD (Group 1), and 46 eyes of 23 sex- and age-matched healthy controls (Group 2) were included in this cross-sectional study. Demographic and ophthalmic findings of participants were collected. Corneal endothelial cell density (CECD) measurements were obtained by noncontact specular microscopy. Foveal retinal thickness, peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness, vessel density in different sections of the retina and optic nerve head were analyzed by optical coherence tomography angiography. Results: The mean ages were 41 +/- 11 years for Group 1 and 39 +/- 10 years for Group 2 (P = 0.313). CECD values were significantly lower in group 1 when compared to group 2 (2653 +/- 306 cells/mm(2) and 2864 +/- 244 cells/mm(2), respectively, P < 0.001). The foveal retinal thickness and RNFL thickness were similar, but superior quadrant thickness of RNFL was significantly lower in Group 1 than Group 2 (126 +/- 14 mu m vs. 135 +/- 15 mu m, P = 0.003). In Group 1, whole image of optic disc radial peripapillary capillary densities were significantly lower compared to Group 2 (49.4 +/- 2.04%, and 50.0 +/- 2.2%, respectively, P = 0.043). There was no significant difference regarding superficial, deep retinal vessel densities, foveal avascular zone and flow areas between the groups (P > 0.05 for all). Conclusion: Lower CECD values and decreased superior quadrant RNFL thickness, and microvascular densities of optic disc were revealed in patients with ADPKD. Evaluation of CECD and retinal microvasculature may be helpful in the management of these patients.

Automated summary

This study revealed lower corneal endothelial cell density, decreased superior quadrant retinal nerve fiber layer thickness, and reduced microvascular densities of optic disc in patients with ADPKD. Evaluation of corneal endothelial cell density and retinal microvasculature may be beneficial for managing these patients.