Choroidal Vascularity Index Linked to Hemoglobin Levels in Pediatric Sickle Cell Maculopathy

Strategic Insights -

Research findings presented at Harvard Medical School have revealed a significant association between choroidal vascularity index (CVI) and hemoglobin levels in pediatric patients with sickle cell disease (SCD). The study, which evaluated 184 eyes from 92 pediatric SCD patients, found that eyes with low CVI had significantly lower median vessel density and higher median retinal thickness. Moreover, the mean CVI in the control group was found to be significantly higher than that in the studied population.

Key Takeaways:

  • The choroidal vascularity index (CVI) was measured using an automated machine learning algorithm and found to be significantly lower in pediatric SCD patients compared to healthy age-matched controls.
  • Eyes with low CVI had significantly lower median vessel density in the inferotemporal quadrant compared to eyes with higher CVI (14.8 vs 22.2; p = 0.009).
  • Eyes with low CVI had higher median retinal thickness in the nasal perifovea (322 mm vs 316 mm; p = 0.003) and the inferior perifovea (293 mm vs 290 mm; p = 0.0028).
  • Eyes with low CVI had significantly lower mean Hgb level (9.3 vs 10; p = 0.009).
  • The mean CVI in the control group was found to be significantly higher than that in the studied population (69% vs 54%; p < 0.001).
  • The study suggests a potential role of choroidal ischemia in the pathogenesis of sickle cell maculopathy and a potential for CVI to serve as a biomarker for systemic disease activity.

Statistics:

  • 184 eyes from 92 pediatric SCD patients were included in the study.
  • mean CVI in the control group: 69%.
  • mean CVI in the studied population: 54%.
  • median vessel density in the inferotemporal quadrant for eyes with low CVI: 14.8.
  • median vessel density in the inferotemporal quadrant for eyes with high CVI: 22.2.
  • median retinal thickness in the nasal perifovea for eyes with low CVI: 322 mm.
  • median retinal thickness in the nasal perifovea for eyes with high CVI: 316 mm.
  • median retinal thickness in the inferior perifovea for eyes with low CVI: 293 mm.
  • median retinal thickness in the inferior perifovea for eyes with high CVI: 290 mm.

Sources:

  • Choroidal Vascularity Index, Retinal Vascularity and Hemoglobin Levels in Pediatric Sickle Cell Maculopathy. Retina, 2025.
  • Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Two Commerce Sq, 2001 Market St, Philadelphia, PA 19103, USA. (Lippincott Williams and Wilkins - www.lww.com; Retina - journals.lww.com/retinajournal/pages/default.aspx)