Evaluation of posterior ocular structures in pediatric migraine patients with and without aura

Abstract

Background: To conduct a quantitative assessment of choroidal structural parameters obtained from pediatric migraine patients (Ped-MPs) with aura (A+) and without aura (A–). Methods: This prospective, case–control structured research was performed among the Ped-MPs in the Ped-MP Group and non-migraine pediatric healthy patients (Ped-HP Group). Choroidal structural parameters were compared between the groups, including five-point choroidal thickness (Ch-T), total choroidal area (TA), luminal choroidal area (LA), stromal choroidal area (SA), and choroidal vascular index (CR-VI). The patients were then also divided further into two groups, as those with aura (A+) and without aura (A–). Results: The Ped-MP Group was made up of 43 participants, while there were 47 participants in the Ped-HP Group. No significant difference was seen between these two groups with respect to age and sex (p > 0.05). No difference was observed between these groups in the Ch-T measurements taken from 5 points. While no change was observed in the SA between the groups, a significant increase was found in the TA, LA, and CR-VI in the Ped-MP Group (for all of them: p < 0.05). Conclusions: Choroidal thickening, and increased TA, LA, and CR-VI were just a few of the structural changes that were associated with migraine, and these changes were seen to become more pronounced in the Ped-MP A+ Group. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.