Choroidal vasculature analysis in MEK inhibitor-associated retinopathy. Issue 6 (November 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Cerquaglia, Alessio; Lupidi, Marco; Chhablani, Jay; Gujar, Ramkailash; Iaccheri, Barbara; Fiore, Tito; Fruttini, Daniela; Ramundo, Antonello; Vupparaboina, Kiran Kumar; Castellani, Luca; Simonetti, Edoardo; De Carolis, Luca; Tiacci, Enrico; Falini, Brunangelo; Cagini, Carlo
• Is Part Of: European journal of ophthalmology. Volume 32:Issue 6(2022)
• Page Start: 3564
• Page End: 3573
• Publication Date: 2022-11
• Subjects: choroid -- choroidal vascularity index -- MEK inhibitor-associated retinopathy -- retinal toxicity -- serous retinopathy; Ophthalmology -- Periodicals; Eye -- Diseases -- Periodicals; 617.7005
• DOI: 10.1177/11206721221081471
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1120-6721

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate choroidal vascularity index (CVI) in patients developing mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK) inhibitor-associated retinopathy (MEKAR). Methods: In this prospective observational study, extensive ophthalmic examination was performed, including enhanced-depth-imaging-optical coherence tomography (EDI-OCT). EDI-OCT scans of patients receiving Cobimetinib, taken at baseline and at MEKAR manifestation, were considered for choroid analysis. Choroidal thickness (CT) was measured on high-resolution b-scans passing through the fovea at three different locations. Same scans were therefore imported for binarization into a previously reported software and CVI was calculated as the ratio of luminal area (LA) to total choroid area (TCA). Results: When compared to baseline, eyes with MEKAR (14 eyes) did not show significative CT variation in subfoveal region (p = 0, 57), 750-µm-nasal to the fovea (p = 0, 08) and 750-µm-temporal to the fovea (p = 0, 07). Similarly, there were no statistically significant differences for TCA (p = 0.54), LA (p = 0.85), stromal area (SA) (p = 0.13), LA/SA (p = 0.34) and CVI (p = 0.47). Best-corrected visual acuity was significantly reduced at fluid accumulation when compared to baseline values (p = 0.03), with complete recovery after fluid resolution (p = 0.73). Conclusion: Multiple parameters reflecting the status of the choroid seemed not influenced by Cobimetinib administration. Retinal pigment epithelium toxic disfunction likely represents the crucial step in MEKAR pathogenesis.