A Prospective, Observational Study on the Application of Ultra-Wide-Field Angiography in the Evaluation and Management of Patients with Anterior Uveitis

PURPOSE: Evaluation of peripheral retinal vascular changes in anterior uveitis using ultra-wide-field fluorescein angiography. DESIGN: A prospective, observational study of a case series of patients diagnosed with anterior uveitis. METHODS: Setting: Clinical observation at an academic medical center. Patient or Study Population: A total of 65 eyes of 33 patients corresponded with the research criteria of anterior uveitis in the opinion of specialists of Peking University First Hospital. Observation Procedures: Patients were diagnosed primarily through clinical examinations and conventional fluorescein angiography. Subsequently, ultra-wide-field fluorescein angiograms were obtained for each patient. Main Outcome Measures: The main outcome was the detection of peripheral retinal changes by ultra-wide-field fluorescein angiography, and how these changes influenced the evaluation and management of the disease. RESULTS: Peripheral vessel leakage was detected in 27 eyes (42%) with anterior uveitis, of which 15 eyes displayed active inflammation and 12 eyes displayed inactive inflammation. Peripheral vessel leakage was found in seven of eight eyes with cystoid macular edema. Cystoid macular edema was detected in 7 of 27 eyes (26%) with peripheral vessel leakage, whereas 1 of 38 eyes (3%) did not display peripheral vessel leakage (p<0.01). 44.4% of the patients with peripheral vessel leakage had a specific etiology. The relevant treatment strategies were modified based on the results of the ultra-wide-field fluorescein angiography. 12 patients with peripheral vessel leakage and a quiescent anterior segment were added to those receiving topical glucocorticoids, while 3 patients with serious peripheral vessel leakage and an active anterior segment received a sub-Tenon injection of triamcinolone acetonide. CONCLUSIONS: Ultra-wide-field fluorescein angiography was very effective in detecting peripheral retinal vascular pathology in anterior uveitis. The changes found in the periphery were important in the evaluation and management of anterior uveitis.