Morphologic analysis of macular neovascularizations by OCT angiography-Technical limitations in the comparison of 3×3mm and 6×6mm images

PLoS One. 2020 Aug 21;15(8):e0237785. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0237785. eCollection 2020.

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study was to ascertain whether there are relevant differences between the vascular morphology of macular neovascularizations (MNV) in 3×3mm and 6×6mm images, produced by optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA).

Methods: MNV of 49 patients were automated quantitative analysed, measuring area, flow, the fractal dimension, average vessel length, vascular density, and average vessel caliber. These parameters were compared between the 3×3mm and the 6×6mm images.

Results: A strong linear association was found between the 3×3mm and the 6×6mm images. While area, flow, and FD of the MNV were very similar, the 3×3mm images showed significantly lower average total vessel length, greater vascular density, and lower average vessel caliber.

Conclusion: In quantitative analysis of the morphologic parameters of MNV in 3×3mm and 6×6mm images, the structures are not directly equivalent in the two sizes of scan. The images must be evaluated on an individual basis.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Angiography
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted
  • Macula Lutea / diagnostic imaging*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neovascularization, Pathologic / diagnostic imaging*
  • Retinal Vessels / diagnostic imaging*
  • Tomography, Optical Coherence

Grants and funding

The authors received no specific funding for this work.