To assess optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) findings in pregnant women with preeclampsia

Purpose: To compare the optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) findings in pregnant women with preeclampsia, healthy pregnants, and nonpregnant healthy individuals and also to compare the obtained values of patients with preeclampsia at different time periods. Methods: A total of 53 pregnant women (29 had preeclampsia, 24 were healthy pregnant women) and 28 healthy nonpregnant women of reproductive age were included in the study. The patients were divided into three groups including preeclamptic pregnant group (PPG), healthy pregnant group (HPG), and healthy control group (HCG). All participants underwent a comprehensive ophthalmologic examination including OCTA and also 23 of 29 preeclamptic pregnant women were evaluated with OCTA just before delivery and at the first day and 6.weeks of postpartum period. Results: Peripapiller retinal nerve fiber layer (PPRNFL) superior and mean values were significantly higher in HPG than PPG and HCG (p = 0.005, p = 0.012, respectively). Central macular thickness (CMT) values were significantly higher at 6. weeks of postpartum period than other time periods (p = 0.028). Choriocapillaris blood flow area (CBFA) values were significantly lower at 6. weeks of postpartum period than other time periods (p = 0.013). Conclusions: OCTA can show changes in the microvascular structure of the retina, even without retinopathy findings on biomicroscopy examination in patients with preeclampsia and may be also useful in following these kind of patients in postpartum period. Key Words: Foveal Avascular Zone, Optic Coherence Tomography Angiography, Preeclampsia, Pregnancy, Vessel Dencity