Evaluation of Preretinal Neovascularization in Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy Using Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To describe a method for visualizing preretinal neovascularization in proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) and report the findings in the surrounding vasculature. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients with PDR diagnosed on clinical examination who received OCTA scans using the RTVue XR Avanti (Optovue, Fremont, CA) were evaluated. To visualize preretinal neovascularization, OCT angiograms were segmented to project vasculature above the internal limiting membrane (ILM). OCT angiograms were segmented between the ILM and Bruch's membrane to show adjacent retinal vasculature. RESULTS: Thirteen eyes were determined to have preretinal neovascularization in the posterior pole based on OCTA. One OCT angiogram was not of sufficient quality and thus was eliminated from further study. Eleven eyes (92%) had neovascularization adjacent to retinal capillary non-perfusion and six (50%) were adjacent to intraretinal microvascular abnormalities (IRMAs). CONCLUSION: OCTA provided high-resolution, depth-resolved blood flow information, allowing for visualization of preretinal neovascularization, IRMA, and adjacent capillary nonperfusion.