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Embolism in retinal circulation after invasive cardiovascular procedures

Kristian Samardzic1, Pejo Samardzic, Bozo Vujeva

  • 1General hospital Dr. Josip Bencevic, Slavonski Brod, Croatia. ksamardzic@gmail.com

Medicinski Arhiv
|April 10, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Invasive cardiovascular procedures can cause temporary retinal artery embolism. While rare, clinicians should monitor for potential central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) and branch retinal artery occlusion (BRAO) complications.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Cardiology
  • Vascular Medicine

Background:

  • Invasive cardiovascular procedures, such as coronarography and stent implantation, are associated with various complications.
  • Retinal artery occlusions, including central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) and branch retinal artery occlusion (BRAO), can lead to vision loss.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the occurrence of embolism in the retinal circulation following invasive cardiovascular procedures.
  • To assess the risk of developing CRAO and BRAO after these interventions.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective study involving 153 patients (303 eyes) undergoing coronarography or stent implantation over a 3-month period.
  • Ophthalmic examinations, including best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), visual field testing, and fundoscopy, were performed before and 24 hours after the procedures.
  • Patients with pre-existing anterior segment opacities were excluded.

Main Results:

  • Transient retinal embolism was detected in 3 male patients (2.0% of the study population).
  • All affected patients had hyperlipidemia; two underwent coronarography and one had stent implantation.
  • Emboli were observed in the central retinal artery or cillioretinal artery branches and resolved within 48 hours, with no change in BCVA.

Conclusions:

  • Invasive cardiovascular procedures carry a risk of transient retinal embolism.
  • Although the observed incidence was low and transient, clinicians must remain vigilant for potential CRAO and BRAO complications.
  • Awareness of this risk is crucial for early detection and management.
Abstract

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