Diagnosis of chronic stage of hypertensive retinopathy based on spectral domain optical coherence tomography

Abstract

Hypertensive retinopathy refers to the retinal vascular changes associated with systemic arterial hypertension. Hypertensive retinopathy can be divided into chronic and acute phases. A cross‐sectional study was performed to explore a method of measurement in the diameters of retinal vessels for diagnosis of chronic hypertensive retinopathy based on spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD‐OCT). The central retinal artery diameter (CRAD), the central retinal vein diameter (CRVD), and the artery‐to‐vein ratio (AVR) were measured. A total of 119 subjects with 119 eyes were included in this study, in which 56 subjects with 56 eyes were included in hypertensive group and 63 subjects with 63 eyes were included in normotensive group. There were significant differences between the two groups in the CRAD (t = −2.14, P = .04) and the AVR (t = −2.59, P = .01). The cutoff point of 0.75 was determined by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (area under the curve, AUC 0.786; 95% confidence interval, 95% CI 0.70‐0.87). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed the probability of AVR below to 0.75 was more in patients with high systolic blood pressure (odds ratio OR 4.39; P = .048), more in male (OR 4.15; P = .004) and more in smokers (OR 5.80; P = .01). Bland‐Altman plots showed small mean bias between the measurements of the two technicians in the CRAD, the CRVD, and the AVR. In summary, application of SD‐OCT is an accurate, reproducible, convenient method for measuring the diameters of retinal vessels. It is valuable for the diagnosis of chronic stage of hypertensive retinopathy.

1. INTRODUCTION

The global burden of hypertension is expected to affect one third of the world's population by 2025. ¹ Hypertension has an unfavorable impact on target organs. ² , ³ Hypertensive retinopathy refers to the retinal vascular changes associated with systemic arterial hypertension. ⁴ The blood vessels of the retina are the only parts of the circulation system that can be viewed directly and noninvasively in vivo. ⁵ Hypertensive retinopathy can be divided into chronic and acute phases. ⁶ There are several classifications for hypertensive retinopathy. The most commonly used classification was that of Keith‐Wagener‐Barker ⁷ which showed four grades of hypertensive retinopathy as follows: Grade I, retinal arterial narrowing; Grade II, retinal arteriovenous nicking; Grade III, retinal hemorrhages, cotton‐wool spots, hard exudates; and Grade IV, Grade III changes plus optic disc swelling. ⁸ Grades I and II are commonly seen in practice and reflect chronic changes. Grades III and IV changes are less frequently seen and are reflective of an acute increase in blood pressure.

Vasospasm and generalized arteriolar narrowing of the retina were presented in the initial response of the retinal circulation to raised blood pressure. ⁴ Previous study showed limitations in the diagnosis of chronic hypertensive retinopathy in clinic. ⁶ Previous classic methods for measuring retinal vascular caliber included traditional direct and indirect ophthalmoscopes and fundus color photography. ⁹ Limitations such as a time‐consuming process, mydriasis, and close contact with patients were presented in previous methods for measurements. In the situation of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic, reduction of opportunities in close contact with patients for protecting medical workers was very necessary. ¹⁰

A cross‐sectional study was performed for exploring an accurate, reproducible, convenient method of measurement in the diameters of retinal vessels for diagnosis of chronic hypertensive retinopathy based on SD‐OCT.

2. METHODS

2.1. Study design and participants

This cross‐sectional study was conducted from January 2019 to December 2019 at Beijing Friendship Hospital. A total of 119 subjects with 119 eyes without any other ocular diseases were included in this study, in which 56 subjects with 56 eyes were included in hypertensive group and 63 subjects with 63 eyes were included in normotensive group. This study was approved by the institutional review board and was conducted in conformance with the Declaration of Helsinki. All participants signed informed consent.

Inclusion criteria for subjects with hypertension were based on histories of antihypertensive agents use or the diagnosis of physicians. The diagnosis of essential hypertension was defined as seated systolic blood pressure (SBP) >140 mm Hg and/or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) >90 mm Hg during at least 3 measurements. ¹¹

Exclusion criteria were subjects who that had intraocular surgery before, high myopia (more than −6.00 diopters), glaucoma, senile cataract that diminished image quality, and vascular retinopathy (eg, diabetic retinopathy, retinal artery occlusion, retinal vein occlusion, and age‐related macular degeneration).

2.2. Examinations

All participants were examined by two experienced technicians. Results of measurements were retrieved from the two technicians and were calculated the average value. Circular scans of the optic disc were performed by SD‐OCT (NIDEK RS‐3000, Japan). Cross‐sections of the retinal vessels were presented in a group of reflections of vascular walls which were ellipse in SD‐OCT, and the diameters of the retinal vessels were presented by the distance between the reflections of vascular walls (Figure 1). Data on a single eye were chosen randomly for inclusion in the study. If the quality of image was poor, the image of the other eye was accepted. Color fundus photography combined with IVAN software (Version 1.3; Nicola Ferrier, Madison, WI, USA) was performed in the measurements of retinal vascular caliber after mydriasis. In our study, fundus color photography was taken as standard.

Figure 1.

Circular scan of the optic disc was shown in the infrared image (A). Cross‐sections of the retinal vessel (a, vein; b, artery) were presented in a group of heterogeneous reflectivity which were ellipse (B). S, superior; I, inferior; N, nasal; T, temporal

2.3. Statistical analysis

Statistical analyses were performed using Stata 13, Texas, 77845 USA. Vessel diameter values and the artery‐to‐vein ratios were presented as mean ± standard deviation. Student's t test was used to compare quantitative data with normal distribution. Categorical variables were analyzed using chi‐square tests. ROC curve analysis was performed to evaluate the accuracy of the method of measurement. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify associations between dependent and independent variables. The results are expressed as adjusted odds ratios (ORs) with 95% CIs. Bland‐Altman plots with mean bias and limits of agreement at 95% CIs were performed to evaluate the reproducibility of the method of measurement. Statistical significance was accepted as a two‐sided test with an alpha level of 0.05. A P value of < .05 was considered statistically significant.

3. RESULTS

One hundred and nineteen subjects with 119 eyes were included in this study. There were 40 males and 79 females, with an average age of 63.4 ± 12.1 years. Table 1 showed that 56 subjects in hypertensive group (22 males, 39.3%; 34 females, 60.7%) and 63 subjects (18 males, 28.6%; 45 females, 71.4%) in normotensive group were enrolled. The mean age of subjects in these two groups (hypertensive group and normotensive group) was 66.4 ± 10.9 years and 60.7 ± 12.7 years, respectively. There were no significant differences in age (t = 2.64, P = .070), male rated (χ² = 1.53, P = .217) between the two groups. The details of the antihypertensive medication of 56 subjects in hypertensive group were as follows: calcium channel blocker (CCB), 21 subjects (37.5%); angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitor/angiotensin receptor blockers (ACEI/ARBs), 8 subjects (14.3%); CCB combined with beta‐blockers (BBs), 13 subjects (23.2%); CCB combined with diuretics, 4 subjects (7.1%); CCB combined with ACEI/ARBs, 3 subjects (5.4%); CCB, ACEI/ARBs combined with diuretics, 3 subjects (5.4%); and 4 subjects (7.1%) did not use any antihypertensive agents.

Table 1.

Clinical characteristics of the study population

Variable	Hypertension (n = 56)	Normotension (n = 63)	P value
Age, y	66.4 ± 10.9	60.7 ± 12.7	.070
Male, n (%)	22 (39.3)	18(28.6)	.217
Diabetes history, n (%)	24 (42.9)	6 (9.5)	<.001**
Coronary heart disease history, n (%)	9 (16.1)	4 (6.3)	.090
Cerebral infarction history, n (%)	7 (12.5)	2 (3.2)	.055
Hyperlipidemia history, n (%)	13 (23.2)	7 (11.1)	.078
CRAD, μm	123.29 ± 12.55	128.21 ± 12.53	.035*
CRVD, μm	162.59 ± 20.74	157.86 ± 16.21	.166
AVR	0.77 ± 0.11	0.82 ± 0.10	.011*
Superior RNFL, μm	120.93 ± 17.99	126.73 ± 16.63	.070
Inferior RNFL, μm	128.09 ± 24.82	132.00 ± 21.41	.358
Nasal RNFL, μm	69.93 ± 15.67	71.95 ± 18.87	.529
Temporal RNFL, μm	73.71 ± 21.50	73.27 ± 16.05	.898

Abbreviations: AVR, artery‐to‐vein ratio; CRAD, central retinal artery diameter; CRVD, central retinal vein diameter; DBP, diastolic blood pressure; RNFL, retinal nerve fiber layer; SBP, systolic blood pressure.

^* P < .05

^** P < .01

In the hypertensive group, CRAD, CRVD, and AVR were 123.29 ± 12.55 μm, 162.59 ± 20.74 μm, and 0.77 ± 0.11, while in the normotensive group which were 128.21 ± 12.53 μm, 157.86 ± 16.21 μm, and 0.82 ± 0.10, respectively. There were significant differences between the two groups in CRAD (t = −2.14, P = .035) and AVR (t = −2.59, P = .011). There were no significant differences between the two groups in CRVD (t = 1.39, P = .166; Figure 2).

Figure 2.

Comparison of retinal vascular diameter (A) and AVR (B) between hypertensive group and normotensive group. CRAD, central retinal artery diameter; CRVD, central retinal vein diameter; AVR, artery‐to‐vein ratio; *P < .05

The accuracy of the method of measurement was evaluated by ROC curve analysis, and the maximum value of Youden index was determined as cutoff point of the AVR. Fundus color photography was taken as standard. The cutoff point of 0.75 showed a sensitivity of 68.6%, a specificity of 79.4%. (AUC 0.786; Standard error 0.04; 95% CI 0.70‐0.87; Figure 3).

Figure 3.

The cutoff value of AVR for retinal arteriosclerosis was determined by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. The cutoff point of 0.75 showed a sensitivity of 68.6% and a specificity of 79.4%. Area under the curve (AUC) 0.786; standard error 0.04; 95% CI 0.70‐0.87. AVR, artery‐to‐vein ratio

Table 2 showed that multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to analyze the correlations between the AVR and sex, age, smoking history, SBP, DBP, pulse pressure (PP), thickness of RNFL, previous history of diabetes, hyperlipidemia, coronary heart disease, and cerebral infarction. The probability of AVR below to 0.75 was more in patients with high systolic blood pressure (OR, 4.39; 95% CI, 1.01‐19.05; P = .048), more in male (OR, 4.15; 95% CI, 1.58‐10.93; P = .004) and more in smokers (OR, 5.80; 95% CI, 1.43‐23.57; P = .014).

Table 2.

Multivariable logistic regression of AVR in patients

Variable	Odds Ratio	Std. Err	95% Cl	P value
Sex (male vs female)	4.15	0.49	1.58‐10.93	.004**
Age, y	0.73	0.54	0.25‐2.10	.560
Smoking (yes vs no)	5.80	0.72	1.43‐23.57	.014*
Clinic SBP, mm Hg	4.39	0.75	1.01‐19.05	.048*
Clinic DBP, mm Hg	0.34	0.91	0.06‐2.03	.238
PP, mm Hg	2.40	0.55	0.82‐7.06	.111
Superior RNFL, μm	1.63	0.78	0.36‐7.48	.528
Inferior RNFL, μm	0.63	0.51	0.24‐1.71	.368
Nasal RNFL, μm	1.73	0.49	0.66‐4.51	.262
Temporal RNFL, μm	0.78	0.51	0.28‐2.12	.622
Hypertension history (yes vs no)	0.93	0.60	0.29‐2.97	.897
Diabetes history (yes vs no)	0.45	0.67	0.12‐1.67	.234
Hyperlipidemia history (yes vs no)	1.77	0.66	0.49‐6.47	.386
Coronary heart disease history (yes vs no)	1.80	0.80	0.37‐8.68	.467
Cerebral infarction history (yes vs no)	0.98	0.93	0.16‐6.10	.984

Cutoff point of AVR was 0.75 (＜0.75, ≥0.75). Adjusted variables were sex (male vs female), age (>65, ≤65), smoking (yes vs no), SBP (>140 mm Hg, ≤140 mm Hg), DBP (>90 mm Hg, ≤90 mm Hg), PP (>50 mm Hg, ≤50 mm Hg), superior RNFL (≤140 μm, >140 μm), inferior RNFL (≤140 μm, >140 μm), nasal RNFL (≤70 μm, >70 μm), temporal RNFL (≤70 μm, >70 μm), hypertension history (yes vs no), diabetes history (yes vs no), hyperlipidemia history (yes vs no), coronary heart disease history (yes vs no), and cerebral infarction history (yes vs no). Data are expressed as hazard ratios (95% confidence intervals) followed by P value.

Abbreviations: AVR, artery‐to‐vein ratio; DBP, diastolic blood pressure; PP, pulse pressure; RNFL, retinal nerve fiber layer; SBP, systolic blood pressure.

^* P < .05,

^** P < .01.

Bland‐Altman analysis was performed to evaluate the reproducibility of the method of measurement in the comparison of the two experienced technicians. Mean bias and limits of agreement at 95% CIs were presented graphically in Bland‐Altman plots. Comparison of the measurements between the two technicians in CRAD (mean 0.68 μm; 95% limits of agreement, 95% LoA − 5.87, 7.23 μm), CRVD (mean 0.28 μm; 95% LoA − 3.15, 3.71 μm), and AVR (mean 0.003; 95% LoA − 0.04, 0.04) was presented in Bland‐Altman plots (Figure 4).

Figure 4.

Comparison of the measurements between technician 1 and technician 2 in CRAD (A), CRVD (B), and AVR (C) by Bland‐Altman plots. (A) mean 0.68 μm; 95% limits of agreement, 95% LoA − 5.87, 7.23 μm; (B) mean 0.28 μm; 95% LoA − 3.15, 3.71 μm; (C) mean 0.003; 95% LoA − 0.04, 0.04. AVR, artery‐to‐vein ratio; CRAD, central retinal artery diameter; CRVD, central retinal vein diameter; SD, standard deviation

4. DISCUSSION

Previous classic methods for measuring retinal vascular caliber included traditional direct and indirect ophthalmoscopes and fundus color photography. ⁹ Fundus fluorescence angiography (FFA) ⁹ and optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) ¹² can be used to evaluate the hemodynamics and vascular density of retinal blood flow, but cannot measure retinal vascular diameter. Traditional direct and indirect ophthalmoscopes cannot quantify the data which is affected by the refractive medium opacity. Color fundus photography combined with IVAN software (Version 1.3; Nicola Ferrier, Madison, WI, USA) was performed in the measurements of retinal vascular caliber after mydriasis. ¹³ SD‐OCT ¹⁴ has been widely used and highly sensitive imaging modality in various ophthalmologic disciplines for evaluating the macula and the optic nerve. ¹⁵ In our study, fundus color photography was taken as standard. The accuracy of measurement of the SD‐OCT was evaluated by ROC curve analysis. The AUC value of 0.786 (95% CI 0.70‐0.87) showed that SD‐OCT had diagnostic value in measuring the diameters of blood vessels. Zhu's study ¹⁶ showed that fifty‐five healthy individuals were recruited for observation by SD‐OCT, but their study did not evaluate the accuracy of measurement in terms of ROC curve. Muraoka's research ¹⁷ focused more on the measurement of the thickness of retinal vessel wall; however, our point of view was that the resolution of the retinal vessel wall measured by SD‐OCT cannot be so accurate in actual clinical practice.

The reproducibility of SD‐OCT measurements is important for assessing the interobserver variability. The application of ophthalmoscope in the measurement of retinal vascular diameter has poor reproducibility. The diameters of retinal vessels were observed by direct or indirect ophthalmoscope, and the results vary greatly in different examiners. In our study, Bland‐Altman plots showed good agreements in CRAD (mean 0.68 μm; 95% LoA − 5.87, 7.23 μm), CRVD (mean 0.28 μm; 95% LoA − 3.15, 3.71 μm), and AVR (mean 0.003; 95% LoA − 0.04, 0.04). There were 5 points (4.2%), 3 points (2.5%), and 7 points (5.9%) outside the 95%LoA in the CRAD, the CRVD, and the AVR, respectively. Goldenberg's study ¹⁸ once demonstrated the noninvasive method for measuring the diameters of retinal blood vessels by means of an SD‐OCT imaging modality, but their study did not evaluate the reproducibility of the measurement in terms of reproducibility by presenting Bland‐Altman plots or other reliability index.

The convenience of clinical application of SD‐OCT in the measurements of retinal vascular diameters needs to be fully considered. In the situation of the COVID‐19 pandemic, reduction of opportunities in close contact with patients for protecting medical workers was very necessary. Limitations such as a time‐consuming process, mydriasis, and close contact with patients were presented in direct and indirect ophthalmoscopes for the measurements of retinal vascular diameters. Additional software such as IVAN software was required to combine with color fundus photography to measure the diameters of retinal vessels after mydriasis, which required higher technology of data processing. ¹⁹ In our study, the diameters of retinal vessels were measured by SD‐OCT which was a noninvasive method, non‐mydriatic, fast, non–close contact with the subject, and easy to be operated.

Previous study ²⁰ showed limitations in the diagnosis of chronic hypertensive retinopathy in clinic. Pache's study ⁶ suggested that a differentiated division into four stages was not possible. According to the classification of Neubauer, ²¹ a modification of the classification of Keith and Wagener, that distinguishes between fundus hypertonic (stages I–II = mild) and hypertensive retinopathy (stages III–IV = severe). However, it was difficult to distinguish between stages I and II. Previous study ²² indicated that the normal value of AVR was 2:3. If the artery caliber was narrow, the AVR could be 1:2 or 1:3. Goldenberg's study ¹⁸ indicated that the AVR was 0.9 at all points of measurement based on SD‐OCT in healthy subjects. The previous gold standards of AVR were not uniform. There was no gold standard of AVR based on SD‐OCT. In our study, according to the maximum value of Youden index, the cutoff point of 0.75 which showed a sensitivity of 68.6% and a specificity of 79.4% was determined by ROC curve. In the future, a large sample of research could be needed to further confirm the gold standard of AVR based on SD‐OCT.

Our study showed that the CRAD and the AVR in the hypertensive group were smaller than that in the normotensive group. High systolic blood pressure, male, and smoking are independent factors associated with lower AVR. A multi‐ethnic study ²³ confirms that a narrower retinal arteriolar diameter and wider venular diameter are associated with the development of hypertension. Previous studies ²⁴ , ²⁵ , ²⁶ reported that systolic and diastolic blood pressure were associated with retinal arteriolar narrowing. Our findings further confirmed the conclusions of our predecessors. Female may be the protective factor of retinal vascular caliber due to the effect of estrogen. ²⁷ Previous studies ²⁸ have shown that smoking is a risk factor for hypertension. Furthermore, our findings further found that smoking is also a risk factor associated with smaller retinal vascular diameter. Tapp's study ²⁹ suggested that the large curvature of retinal arterioles was related to the higher systolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure, and pulse pressure. In our study, after adjustment for the model, the results of pulse pressure were negative.

In future research, SD‐OCT will be used for the quantitative evaluation of retinal hemorrhages, cotton‐wool spots, hard exudates, and optic disc swelling, then to distinguish the acute phases of hypertensive retinopathy from other diseases. We will consider for standardly grouping based on antihypertensive medication to further explore the effects of different antihypertensive medication combinations on retinal vascular changes by SD‐OCT.

In summary, application of SD‐OCT is an accurate, reproducible, convenient method for measuring the diameters of retinal vessels. It is valuable for the diagnosis of chronic stage of hypertensive retinopathy.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST

The authors have no conflict of interest to declare.

AUTHOR CONTRIBUTIONS

Xue Feng performed the analysis, drafted the manuscript, and designed the figures. Haiwei Wang performed the analysis and measurements. Yuanyuan Kong and Hong Qi participated in the correction and the statistical analysis of the revision. Junyan Zhang, Jingfang He, and Bozheng Zhang were involved in data analysis. Jianqiang Zhang performed the measurements and was involved in planning. Yanling Wang aided in interpreting the results, worked on the manuscript, was involved in planning, and supervised the work. All authors discussed the results and contributed to the final manuscript.

Feng X, Wang H, Kong Y, et al. Diagnosis of chronic stage of hypertensive retinopathy based on spectral domain optical coherence tomography. J Clin Hypertens. 2020;22:1247–1252. 10.1111/jch.13935