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The following is a summary of “Evaluation of ophthalmic vascular and neuroretinal alterations in fibromyalgia syndrome: a cross-sectional comparative study,” published in the July 2024 issue of Rheumatology by Öztürk et al.

Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS), a common rheumatic disorder with genetic and nervous system links, might also affect the eyes.

Researchers conducted a retrospective study using optical coherence tomography (OCT) and OCT angiography (OCTA) to compare ophthalmic vasculature and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness in patients with FM vs. HCs.

They recruited 43 patients diagnosed with FM and 40 HCs (January-May 2024). All patients with FM met the 2016 American College of Rheumatology criteria. Using advanced imaging techniques (OCT and OCTA), the thickness of the RNFL and the structure of retinal blood vessels were assessed. Additionally, a Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ) evaluated the severity of patients with FM.

The result showed that patients with FMS had significantly thicker total retinal parafoveal layers and higher foveal density than HCs (P=0.017 and P=0.044, respectively). No significant differences between the groups were observed in terms of total retinal foveal thickness, foveal avascular zone characteristics, superficial and deep capillary plexus densities, choriocapillaris flow area, and outer retinal flow area values (P>0.05). Additionally, RNFL thickness in all quadrants showed no difference between the groups (P>0.05). Additionally, no correlation was found between FIQ scores and OCTA parameters or RNFL thickness values (P>0.05).

Investigators concluded that patients with FMS showed minor retinal changes without significant ocular alterations, indicating FMS may not affect ocular structures.

Source: link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00296-024-05662-w