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[Retinal artery occlusion: etiology and risk factors apropos of 151 cases]
1Clinique ophtalmologique universitaire de Lausanne.
Insights
Arterial hypertension is a significant risk factor for retinal artery occlusion. Doppler examination of carotid arteries is recommended for patients with retinal artery occlusion due to frequent association with carotid artery disease.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Vascular Neurology
- Cardiology
Context:
- Retinal artery occlusion (RAO) is a serious condition affecting vision.
- Identifying risk factors and associated pathologies is crucial for patient management.
Purpose:
- To determine the incidence of risk factors for RAO.
- To investigate the association between RAO and carotid artery disease.
Summary:
- A retrospective study of 151 patients found arterial hypertension to be a significant risk factor for RAO.
- Internal carotid artery stenosis was identified in 50% of patients undergoing Doppler sonography.
- Pathologic Doppler findings correlated with emboli and central artery occlusion.
Impact:
- Highlights the importance of screening for carotid artery disease in RAO patients.
- Suggests systematic Doppler examination of carotid and cardiovascular systems for RAO patients.
- Informs clinical practice regarding comprehensive evaluation of RAO etiology.
Abstract:
A retrospective study covering 151 patients was conducted in order to determine the incidence of risk factors (arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus, smoking, hyperlipidemia, and cardiovascular disorders) in cases of retinal artery occlusion. Occlusion of the central artery was found in 43% of the patients, occlusion of one or several branch arteries in 53%, and cilioretinal artery occlusion in 4%. A monofactorial study of risk factors produced a statistically significant value only for arterial hypertension (P = 0.01). Smoking and diabetic metabolism were not significant, and the correlation with hyperlipidemia was weak (P = 0.08). Forty-six patients were examined by continuouswave Doppler sonography: stenosis of the internal carotid artery was found in 50% of these cases. Pathologic Doppler findings were associated with an embolus in 14 cases (57%) and central artery occlusion in 9 (40%). Since retinal artery occlusion is frequently associated with carotid artery disease, systematic Doppler examination of the carotid vessels and the cardiovascular system should be performed in all patients with retinal artery occlusion.