Full Papers
Ultrawide-field swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography reveals systemic vascular biomarkers in systemic lupus erythematosus: clinical associations with disease activity
L. Liu1, L. Song2, Q. Yang3, J. Li4, Y. Qu5
- Department of Ophthalmology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China.
- Department of Rheumatology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China.
- Department of Ophthalmology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China.
- Department of Ophthalmology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China.
- Department of Ophthalmology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China. yiqucn@sdu.edu.cn
CER19278
Full Papers
PMID: 41678166 [PubMed]
Received: 03/09/2025
Accepted : 08/01/2026
In Press: 08/02/2026
Abstract
OBJECTIVES:
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease with potential vascular complications. Ultrawide-field swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography (SS-OCTA) may serve as a non-invasive tool to assess retinal and choroidal microvasculature. We aimed to evaluate its utility in SLE for early detection and monitoring of SLE vasculopathy.
METHODS:
142 eyes of 71 SLE patients (median age 35 years, IQR 23–42) and 194 eyes of 97 healthy controls (median age 33 years, IQR 26–39.25) underwent ultrawide-field SS-OCTA imaging to quantify vascular density (VD) in retinal and choroidal layers. We collected clinical data, including disease activity scores (SLEDAI-2K), organ damage index (SDI), laboratory results, and treatment information (e.g. hydroxychloroquine dose).
RESULTS:
Retinal and choroidal VD in SLE patients differed significantly from that of healthy controls (p<0.05). Disease duration and SLEDAI-2K scores correlated with microvasculature parameters, especially in mid-to-large choroidal vessels (MLCV). Longer disease duration (≥5 years) and higher cumulative hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) dose were associated with visual impairment. Deep retinal vessel density distinguished active disease.
CONCLUSIONS:
Ultrawide-field SS-OCTA reveals distinct retinal and choroidal microvascular remodelling in SLE. MLCV density may serve as a marker for disease progression and HCQ exposure, supporting the potential of SS-OCTA for non-invasive monitoring of SLE-related vascular pathology.
