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Optociliary shunt vessels in diabetes mellitus
1Department of Ophthalmology, The Eye Institute, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore. jongjian@hotmail.com
Singapore Medical Journal
|April 20, 2004
Summary
Optociliary shunt vessels, typically linked to meningioma, were observed in three diabetic patients. This case series suggests a potential association between these vascular anomalies and diabetes mellitus.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Vascular Biology
Background:
- Optociliary shunt vessels are classically associated with optic nerve sheath meningioma, presenting with a triad of symptoms.
- Other known associations include retinal vein occlusion, chronic glaucoma, meningioma, and congenital forms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a case series of three patients with diabetes mellitus presenting with optociliary shunt vessels.
- To investigate the potential association between diabetes mellitus and optociliary shunts.
Main Methods:
- Patients undergoing diabetic retinopathy screening with abnormal findings were referred to the eye clinic.
- Fundus photography and fluorescein angiography were used to document optociliary shunt vessels.
- A systemic review was conducted to rule out secondary causes.
Main Results:
- Three diabetic patients (0.1% of 3,360) were found to have optociliary shunt vessels between 2000 and 2001.
- All patients had bilateral mild nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy; one also had bilateral diabetic maculopathy.
- Fluorescein angiography revealed classical acquired optociliary shunts without leakage; no secondary causes were identified.
Conclusions:
- Optociliary shunt vessels can be associated with diabetes mellitus.
- The authors postulate this association may stem from venous insufficiency secondary to diabetic microangiopathy and venous stasis.
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