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Macroaneurysms associated with retinal branch vein occlusion.
S W Cousins1, H W Flynn, J G Clarkson
1Department of Ophthalmology, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Miami, FL 33101.
American Journal of Ophthalmology
|May 15, 1990
Summary
Macroaneurysms near branch vein occlusion were identified in 16.2% of eyes. While often associated with exudation and hemorrhage, these lesions typically did not impact visual acuity, though some developed neovascularization.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Retinal Vascular Diseases
Background:
- Branch vein occlusion is a common retinal vascular disease.
- Macroaneurysms can occur in association with retinal vascular occlusive events.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and characteristics of macroaneurysms in patients with branch vein occlusion.
- To assess the clinical significance and complications associated with these macroaneurysms.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of clinical findings, color photographs, and fluorescein angiograms.
- Analysis of 147 patients (154 eyes) from the Branch Vein Occlusion Study.
- Categorization of macroaneurysms into arterial, venous, capillary, and collateral-associated types.
Main Results:
- Macroaneurysms were identified in 25 of 154 (16.2%) affected eyes.
- Commonly observed complications included intraretinal lipid exudation and hemorrhage, which usually did not affect visual acuity.
- Macroaneurysms were associated with capillary nonperfusion and retinal neovascularization occurred in 32% of eyes with macroaneurysms.
Conclusions:
- Macroaneurysms are a notable finding in a subset of eyes with branch vein occlusion.
- Despite associated exudation and hemorrhage, visual acuity is often preserved.
- The presence of macroaneurysms may indicate a risk for developing retinal neovascularization.