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A possible link between the pseudoexfoliation syndrome and coronary artery disease

M Citirik1, G Acaroglu, C Batman

  • 1SB Ankara Eye Hospital, Turkey. mcitirik@hotmail.com

Eye (London, England)
|March 25, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is significantly more common in patients with pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PEX). Individuals with PEX show a higher prevalence of CAD, suggesting a need for eye examinations in CAD patients and cardiovascular screening in PEX patients.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Cardiology
  • Vascular Medicine

Background:

  • Pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PEX) is an ocular condition with potential systemic associations.
  • Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a leading cause of mortality worldwide.
  • The relationship between PEX and systemic vascular diseases, particularly CAD, requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the association between coronary artery disease (CAD) and pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PEX).
  • To compare the prevalence of PEX in patients with and without proven CAD.
  • To investigate the presence of other vascular diseases and retinal vascular findings in relation to PEX and CAD.

Main Methods:

  • A collaborative case-control study involving 50 patients with CAD and 50 controls.
  • Coronary angiography was used to confirm CAD status.
  • Statistical analysis included chi-squared and Student's t-tests to compare PEX prevalence, vascular diseases, and retinal findings.

Main Results:

  • Pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PEX) was significantly more prevalent in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) (28/50) compared to controls (12/50) (P=0.001).
  • Patients with PEX exhibited a higher prevalence of CAD (P=0.001) and more prominent fundoscopic findings of vascular diseases (P=0.0001).
  • No significant differences in age or sex were observed between PEX-positive and PEX-negative groups.

Conclusions:

  • A statistically significant association exists between pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PEX) and coronary artery disease (CAD).
  • The findings suggest a potential predisposition of PEX-positive individuals to CAD.
  • Ophthalmological examination for PEX may warrant consideration for systemic vascular disease screening, and vice versa.
Abstract

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