Early-stage retinitis pigmentosa linked to changes in retinal and choroidal structure

Early-stage retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is associated with significant retinal and choroidal changes, according to a study. Specifically, the study found that patients with RP showed reduced macular pigment optical density (MPOD), central choroidal thickness (CCT), and choroidal vascularity index (CVI), along with increased central macular thickness (CMT), compared to healthy controls.

The observational study included 18 eyes from 18 patients with RP, alongside age- and gender-matched controls. Participants underwent a comprehensive ophthalmologic exam, including Spectral-domain OCT, electroretinogram (ERG), and heterochromatic flicker photometry (HFP). Key findings included lower CCT, CVI, and MPOD levels in patients with RP, while their CMT was higher than controls. Correlation analysis revealed a negative association between best corrected visual acuity and both age and CMT, while CCT and CVI showed a positive correlation with MPOD and CCT. These results highlight retinal and choroidal changes in early-stage RP, affecting the eye’s anatomical and functional aspects.

Reference
Ruggeri ML, Baroni LB, Passamonti M, et al. OCT analysis and MPOD assessment in patients affected by retinitis pigmentosa. Sci Rep. 2024;14(1):28830. doi: 10.1038/s41598-024-79979-8. PMID: 39572660; PMCID: PMC11582672.