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A Murine Model of Ischemic Retinal Injury Induced by Transient Bilateral Common Carotid Artery Occlusion
Published on: November 12, 2020
Acute retinal arteriolar emboli after cardiac catheterization
Andreas J Kreis1, Thanh Nguyen, Sophie Rogers
1Centre for Eye Research Australia, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.
Stroke
|August 16, 2008
Summary
Cardiac catheterization may lead to retinal emboli, a stroke risk. A study found a 2% incidence of acute retinal emboli post-procedure, suggesting potential, often unnoticed, circulatory compromise.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Cardiology
- Neurology
Background:
- Cardiac catheterization is a common procedure.
- Concerns exist regarding potential retinal embolization.
- Retinal emboli are a risk marker for cerebrovascular events and stroke.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of acute retinal embolism after cardiac catheterization.
- To assess the risk of emboli in the retinal circulation following the procedure.
Main Methods:
- 100 patients undergoing diagnostic cardiac catheterization were enrolled.
- Digital retinal photography was performed before and within 3 hours after catheterization.
- Retinal emboli were identified and confirmed by specialists.
Main Results:
- One pre-catheterization retinal embolus was noted.
- Two patients (2.02% incidence) developed new retinal arteriolar emboli post-catheterization.
- No patients experienced clinically apparent visual or neurological deficits.
Conclusions:
- The immediate risk of acute retinal embolism after cardiac catheterization is 2%.
- This suggests retinal and potentially cerebral circulation may be compromised more often than clinically apparent.
- Further investigation into subclinical circulatory compromise is warranted.
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