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Published on: May 11, 2011
Type of arteriovenous crossing at site of branch retinal vein occlusion
M Sekimoto1, S Hayasaka, T Setogawa
1Department of Ophthalmology, Shimane Medical University, Japan.
Insights
Arterial overcrossing is a significant risk factor for branch retinal vein occlusion. This finding highlights a key anatomical cause for this common retinal vascular disease.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Vascular Medicine
- Retinal Diseases
Background:
- Branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) is a common retinal vascular disorder.
- Risk factors include systemic hypertension and diabetes mellitus.
- Understanding the anatomical causes of BRVO is crucial for prevention and treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between arterial overcrossing and the occurrence of branch retinal vein occlusion.
- To determine if arterial overcrossing is a significant risk factor for BRVO.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective study of 63 patients (64 eyes) with symptomatic BRVO.
- Detailed examination of the occlusion site in 57 eyes.
- Comparison with control eyes to assess the incidence of arterial overcrossing.
Main Results:
- Arterial overcrossing was identified at the site of occlusion in 53 out of 57 examined eyes (93%).
- The incidence of arterial overcrossing was significantly higher in BRVO eyes compared to control eyes (P < 0.05).
- Commonly affected veins included superotemporal (39 eyes) and inferotemporal (20 eyes).
Conclusions:
- Arterial overcrossing is a highly prevalent finding at the site of branch retinal vein occlusion.
- Arterial overcrossing represents a significant risk factor for the development of BRVO.
- This anatomical relationship warrants further investigation in the pathogenesis of BRVO.
Abstract:
A retrospective study of 63 patients (64 eyes) with symptomatic branch retinal vein occlusion, 30 men and 33 women, was carried out in this study. The ages of the subjects ranged from 40 to 82 years. Systemic hypertension was present in 41 patients and diabetes mellitus in 19. The occlusion involved the superotemporal vein in 39 eyes, inferotemporal vein in 20, superonasal vein in 2 or macular vein in 3. The site of the occlusion could be examined in detail in 57 eyes, and an arterial overcrossing was involved in 53 of these eyes (93%). This incidence of arterial overcrossing was significantly higher in the branch retinal vein occlusion eyes than in control eyes (P less than 0.05).
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