Introduction: Hypertension is known to impact the structure and function of the ocular vascular system and is an established risk factor for many eye diseases. This study aimed to detect the blood flow in the optic disc and macula in patients with essential hypertension and to analyze its correlation with serum cystatin C (Cys-C) levels. Methods: This single center, cross-sectional study included 100 patients with primary hypertension without hypertensive retinopathy, who were divided into an experimental group (50 cases, 50 eyes) with elevated serum Cys-C levels and a control group (50 cases, 50 eyes) with normal serum Cys-C. The optic disc and macular vessel density (VD) and vascular perfusion density (PD) were assessed using optical coherence tomography angiography. Data such as the area, perimeter, and circularity of the foveal avascular zone (FAZ) were analyzed. Results: There were statistically significant between-group differences in the VD and PD of the optic disc (p < 0.05). Spearman correlation analysis of related indicators revealed that serum Cys-C was positively correlated with creatinine, uric acid, and FAZ circularity (p < 0.05). Furthermore, serum Cys-C was negatively correlated with optic disc VD and PD in some regions (p < 0.05). Conclusion: In patients with essential hypertension, serum Cys-C is negatively correlated with VD and PD in the inner layer of the optic disc (zone 10).

Purpose: The anatomy and variations of the anterior ethmoidal artery (AEA) are clinically relevant. The anterior ethmoidal foramen (AEF) can be used to locate the initial site of the AEA, and the anterior nasal spine (ANS) is a constant bony marker in the anterior nasal atrium. However, there is no relevant research on AEF and ANS targeting the AEA. Hence, this study aimed to accurately locate the AEA through AEF and ANS using computed tomography. Methods: A total of 120 (240 sides) sinus computed tomography scans were retrospectively selected and studied. The AEA was classified into grades I, Ⅱ, and Ⅲ group based on the relationship between the AEA and the skull base. The distance between AEF and ANS and the angle between AEF-ANS and the axial plane were measured. Results: The average distance from AEF to ANS was 58.26±3.64 mm, and the corresponding angle was 60.05±5.93 degrees. The AEF-ANS distances and angles were negatively correlated with age. Moreover, the distances from AEF to ANS were significantly increased in the grade Ⅲ group compared with the grade Ⅱ group. Conclusion: The measurements obtained in this study add anatomic knowledge that can serve as a better intraoperative localization method of the AEA, which can help surgeons avoid relative complications during endoscopic sinus surgery.