The relationship between retinal vascular tortuosity and retinal vasculitis.

Abstract

AIMS: This study investigates the association between retinal vascular tortuosity and retinal vasculitis. METHODS: A retrospective review of medical records was conducted for 135 patients diagnosed with retinal vasculitis at our institution from June 2022 to June 2024. The presence and type of retinal vascular tortuosity were assessed, and logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate associations with viral infections, autoimmune conditions, and other clinical features. RESULTS: Of 256 patients with posterior uveitis, 135 patients were identified with retinal vasculitis, and 37 (27.4%) exhibited retinal vascular tortuosity. Specifically, 24 patients presented with arterial tortuosity, 5 with venous tortuosity, and 8 with both arterial and venous tortuosity. Logistic regression analysis revealed that arterial tortuosity was significantly associated with posterior synechiae, while venous tortuosity was primarily observed in patients with birdshot chorioretinopathy. Combined arterial and venous tortuosity was more commonly observed in patients with viral infections, toxoplasmosis, or psoriasis. Notably, after inflammation was controlled, retinal vascular tortuosity improved. However, the average recovery times varied between arterial tortuosity, venous tortuosity, and the combination of both. CONCLUSION: Retinal vascular tortuosity is prevalent in retinal vasculitis and is associated with specific infectious etiologies and clinical features. It may serve as a prognostic marker for disease severity and treatment planning.