Central retinal vein occlusion and thrombophilia

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Oct 2, 2026

Optimization of the Retinal Vein Occlusion Mouse Model to Limit Variability
07:23

Optimization of the Retinal Vein Occlusion Mouse Model to Limit Variability

Published on: August 6, 2021

C D Fegan1

  • 1Department of Haematology, Birmingham Heartlands Hospital, UK. feganc@heartsol.wmids.nhs.uk

Eye (London, England)
|March 27, 2002
PubMed

Insights

Central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) is linked to thrombophilic conditions. Hyperhomocysteinaemia and antiphospholipid syndrome are identified causes, while hereditary factors appear less significant.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Vascular Medicine
  • Hematology

Background:

  • Central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) is a common vascular eye disease.
  • Its development is multifactorial, influenced by local eye factors and systemic conditions.
  • Thrombophilic conditions are increasingly recognized as potential contributors.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To critically review existing studies on the role of thrombophilic conditions in CRVO.
  • To clarify conflicting results regarding the etiological significance of these conditions.
  • To identify specific thrombophilic factors associated with CRVO.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic review and critical appraisal of published research.
  • Analysis of studies investigating the association between thrombophilia and CRVO.
  • Evaluation of evidence for various thrombophilic states, including hereditary and acquired conditions.

Main Results:

  • Hyperhomocysteinaemia and antiphospholipid syndrome are identified as causes of CRVO.
  • Evidence suggests that disorders impairing fibrinolysis may also contribute to CRVO.
  • Common hereditary thrombophilic conditions do not appear to be major risk factors for CRVO.

Conclusions:

  • Specific thrombophilic conditions like hyperhomocysteinaemia and antiphospholipid syndrome are implicated in CRVO.
  • Hypofibrinolysis disorders may play a role in the pathogenesis of CRVO.
  • Further large-scale studies are required to definitively establish the role of hereditary thrombophilias in CRVO.

Related Concept Videos

Venous Thrombosis I: Introduction01:30

Venous Thrombosis I: Introduction

Venous thrombosis, the most common disorder of the veins, involves the formation of a thrombus or blood clot associated with vein inflammation. It can be classified as either superficial vein thrombosis or deep vein thrombosis.Superficial Vein Thrombosis: This involves the formation of a thrombus in a superficial vein, usually the greater or lesser saphenous vein. Though less severe than deep vein thrombosis (DVT), SVT can lead to complications if untreated.Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): This...
Venous Thrombosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies01:20

Venous Thrombosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

The key difference between Superficial Vein Thrombosis (SVT) and Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) lies in their location and severity.Clinical ManifestationsSVT typically presents with localized pain, tenderness, and redness along the course of a superficial vein, often accompanied by a palpable, cord-like structure under the skin. This condition is usually less dangerous than DVT but can be uncomfortable and may lead to complications such as cellulitis or, rarely, a clot extension into the deep...
Venous Thrombosis III: Interprofessional Care01:29

Venous Thrombosis III: Interprofessional Care

Venous thrombosis requires effective prevention and treatment strategies to improve patient outcomes and reduce potential complications.Prevention StrategiesHealthcare providers must prioritize preventing venous thromboembolism (VTE) for all adult patients upon admission. Interventions depend on bleeding and thrombosis risk, medical history, current medications, diagnoses, planned procedures, and patient preferences. Patients on bed rest should change positions every two hours and, if not...
Diabetic Retinopathy01:27

Diabetic Retinopathy

DefinitionDiabetic retinopathy is a microvascular complication of diabetes affecting the retinal blood vessels.Risk FactorsDiabetic retinopathy is present in almost all individuals with type 1 diabetes and more than 60% of those with type 2 diabetes after two decades of disease.The risk increases with poor glycemic control, hypertension, dyslipidemia, smoking, pregnancy, and puberty.Although cataracts and glaucoma are also more frequent in people with diabetes, retinopathy remains the leading...
Glaucoma: Overview01:25

Glaucoma: Overview

Glaucoma is an eye condition characterized by increased intraocular pressure that damages the retina and optic nerve, leading to irreversible blindness if left untreated. The human eye has various components, including the cornea, iris, pupil, lens, and optic nerve. Aqueous humor is secreted by the epithelium of the ciliary body in the posterior chamber and flows through the trabecular meshwork and canal of Schlemm, maintaining normal intraocular pressure. The trabecular meshwork and the canal...
Portal Hypertension01:22

Portal Hypertension

Portal hypertension is an increase in blood pressure within the portal venous system. Normally, this pressure is less than 5 mmHg. It is considered clinically significant when it rises above 10 mmHg. At this threshold, complications from altered blood flow and venous congestion emerge.EtiologyPortal hypertension arises from conditions that impede blood flow through the liver. The most common cause is cirrhosis, in which chronic liver injury leads to fibrotic scarring. This fibrosis narrows or...