Association of Autonomic Dysfunction with Choroidal Microvasculature in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes
10.21561/jor.2026.11.1.20
- Author:
Seo-Yeon HONG
;
Mirinae KIM
;
Young-Hoon PARK
- Publication Type:ORIGINAL ARTICLE
- From:
Journal of Retina
2026;11(1):20-28
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Purpose:This study aimed to investigate the association between autonomic dysfunction and choroidal microvasculature in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Methods:We conducted a retrospective single-center study of patients with type 2 diabetes who attended Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital between January 2018 and December 2022. Clinical features, laboratory findings, heart rate variability, and the findings of ophthalmic examinations were analyzed.
Results:Seventy-four patients were divided into no diabetic retinopathy (no DR; 28 patients), non-proliferative DR (28 patients), and proliferative DR (PDR; 18 patients) groups. The standard deviation of the NN-interval (SDNN) index, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and choroidal vascularity index (CVI) differed significantly in the PDR group (p < 0.01). Univariate regression analysis revealed that the urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio and SDNN were significantly associated with CVI (p < 0.05). However, only the SDNN was significantly associated with CVI (p = 0.026) in the multivariate regression analysis. This association did not remain significant after Bonferroni correction for two comparisons (α = 0.025). CVI showed a significant correlation with SDNN (r = 0.254, p = 0.029) and BCVA (r = -0.424, p < 0.001).
Conclusions:Given the significant association between autonomic dysfunction and choroidal microvascular changes, it is recommended that patients presenting with either condition undergo comprehensive evaluation for the other in type 2 diabetes.
