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Updated: Aug 11, 2026
Quantitative Fundus Autofluorescence for the Evaluation of Retinal Diseases
Published on: March 11, 2016
Retinal artery macroaneurysms: clinical and fluorescein angiographic features in 34 patients
R A Moosavi1, K C S Fong, A Chopdar
1Ophthalmology Department, East Surrey Hospital, Redhill, Surrey, RH1 5RH, UK. rz199@yahoo.co.uk
Aim:
To describe the clinical and fluorescein angiographic features of patients with macroaneurysms (MAs) attending an ophthalmology department over 8 years.
Methods:
All the patients between 1997 and 2004 with a diagnosis of retinal artery MA were identified from hospital records. Photographs and fluorescein angiograms were examined, and the MAs classified according to their clinical (haemorrhagic or exudative) features, and angiographic (saccular or fusiform) features. Baseline data of the patients were taken including visual acuity and associated ocular and medical conditions.
Results:
A total of 38 MAs were identified in 34 patients. The age at presentation ranged from 36 to 93 years, with a mean of 73.7 years. Of them, 24/34 (70%) were female patients, and 10/34 (30%) were male patients. There was a history of hypertension in 9/14 patients (64.3%). Of 38 MAs, 32 were identifiable as either saccular or fusiform. Of these, 22/32 (68.75%) were saccular, the rest fusiform. In all, 72.7% of the saccular MAs showed haemorrhage as the predominant feature. Of the 10 fusiform MAs, 90% showed haemorrhage as the predominant feature.
Conclusion:
Retinal artery macroaneurysm is a rare condition that may mimic a variety of other conditions. Most MAs do not require treatment. We suggest guidelines for diagnosis and propose a treatment algorithm for this condition.
Insights
Retinal artery macroaneurysms (MAs) are rare and often present with hemorrhage. Most MAs do not require treatment, but diagnostic guidelines and a treatment algorithm are proposed.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Medical Imaging
- Retinal Vascular Diseases
Background:
- Retinal artery macroaneurysms (MAs) are uncommon vascular lesions.
- They can present with diverse clinical and angiographic features, sometimes mimicking other retinal pathologies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the clinical and fluorescein angiographic features of retinal artery MAs.
- To establish diagnostic guidelines and a treatment algorithm for this condition.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of patients diagnosed with retinal artery MA between 1997 and 2004.
- Classification of MAs based on clinical (hemorrhagic/exudative) and angiographic (saccular/fusiform) features.
- Analysis of patient demographics, visual acuity, and associated medical conditions.
Main Results:
- 38 MAs were identified in 34 patients (mean age 73.7 years; 70% female).
- Hypertension was noted in 64.3% of patients.
- Saccular MAs (68.75%) predominantly showed hemorrhage (72.7%), as did fusiform MAs (90%).
Conclusions:
- Retinal artery macroaneurysm is a rare entity with varied presentations.
- Most MAs are managed conservatively, necessitating clear diagnostic and treatment strategies.
