Unveiling the retinal secrets of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder

Background Vascular alterations are now recognized as important contributors to the pathophysiology of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD). This study aimed to use optical coherence tomography (OCT) and OCT-angiography (OCTA) to assess alterations in the retinal structure and microvasculature in patients with NMOSD, so we can understand pathophysiology of NMOSD, implicating this on disease activity, visual outcome and management on the future. Methods A case–control study was conducted on 40 NMOSD patients with (NMOSD + ON) and without (NMOSD – ON) history of optic neuritis and 36 healthy subjects. The following data were assessed in NMOSD patients: clinical history, EDSS, and visual function testing. Both groups underwent spectral domain (SD)-OCT and OCTA. Results In this study, NMOSD + ON patients had a statistically significant reduction in all SD-OCT parameters compared to healthy control. Regarding OCTA, there was a significant reduction in radial peripapillary capillary density (RPCD) in NMOSD + ON ( P -value