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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

Hypercoagulable states and central retinal vein occlusion

J Michael Lahey1, John J Kearney, Murat Tunc

  • 1Permanente Medical Group, Hayward, California, Department of Ophthalmology, Retinal Division, Union City, CA 94587, USA. Mike.Lahey@kp.org

Current Opinion in Pulmonary Medicine
|August 9, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) evaluation should focus on common risk factors. Testing for antiphospholipid antibodies and elevated homocysteine is most useful, while extensive thrombophilia screening is rarely warranted for CRVO patients.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Vascular Medicine
  • Hematology

Background:

  • Central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) is a frequent cause of irreversible vision loss.
  • Standard workup includes ruling out hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and glaucoma.
  • Patients lacking identifiable risk factors often undergo extensive thrombophilia testing.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review existing literature and identify laboratory tests associated with CRVO.
  • To determine the utility of thrombophilia screening in CRVO patients.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies investigating laboratory findings in CRVO.
  • Analysis of controlled studies associating specific tests with CRVO occurrence.

Main Results:

  • Antiphospholipid antibodies and elevated plasma homocysteine levels are most commonly associated with CRVO.
  • Primary thrombophilias are infrequently identified in CRVO patient screenings.
  • Extensive thrombophilia testing is generally not indicated for most CRVO patients.

Conclusions:

  • Selective thrombophilia evaluation, focusing on specific markers, increases the likelihood of positive findings in CRVO.
  • Routine, extensive thrombophilia screening is not recommended for the majority of CRVO patients.
  • Older patients with established vascular risk factors do not require thrombophilic screening.

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