Evaluation of choroidal thickness and choroidal vascularity index in patients with Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to compare choroidal thickness parameters between patients diagnosed with Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) and healthy individuals using spectral domain optical coherence tomography.

METHODS

The right eyes of 27 individuals diagnosed with CCHF and 27 healthy subjects were included in this study. CCHF cases were assessed based on a history of tick bites and hospitalization. Choroidal thickness was measured using enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography. Measurements of choroidal thickness were taken at 5 different points, including the subfoveal quadrant and the fovea up to 2000 μm with 1000 μm intervals in the temporal and nasal quadrants. Choroidal vascular index (CVI) was calculated as the ratio of luminal area (LA) to total choroidal area (TCA) at the macula's total area and at 1500 μm from the center (CVI and CVI1500).

RESULTS

Choroidal thickness in the CCHF group was found to be thicker in each quadrant compared to the control group, with the subfoveal and nasal quadrants showing significantly greater thickness. TCA, stromal area, and LA were significantly higher in the CCHF group, while no significant difference was observed in CVI and CVI1500.

CONCLUSION

The findings of this study suggest that CCHF disease may have an impact on the choroidal structure.