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Optimization of the Retinal Vein Occlusion Mouse Model to Limit Variability
Published on: August 6, 2021
Central retinal vein occlusion following hypobaric chamber exposure
Kyoung Min Lee1, Seok Ju Yoo, Se Joon Woo
1Aerospace Medical Center, Republic of Korea Air Force, Cheongwon-gun, Chungbuk, Korea.
Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine
|September 13, 2013
Summary
High altitude retinopathy, including central retinal vein occlusion, can occur in healthy individuals after simulated high-altitude exposure. This includes hypobaric chamber training and subsequent flights, even with treatment.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Aerospace Medicine
- Altitude Physiology
Background:
- High altitude exposure can cause high altitude retinopathy, ranging from retinal vessel changes to obstruction.
- Simulated high-altitude environments, like hypobaric chambers, can mimic rapid ascent and potentially induce retinopathy.
Observation:
- A case of central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) is presented following hypobaric chamber exposure and Valsalva maneuver.
- Despite intravitreal bevacizumab treatment, macular edema worsened after a helicopter flight, indicating recurrent high-altitude stress.
Findings:
- Systemic evaluations, including coagulation and carotid Doppler studies, were normal.
- Central retinal vein occlusion was observed in a young, healthy individual post-hypobaric chamber exposure.
Implications:
- Hypobaric chamber exposure and simulated flights pose a risk for retinal vascular events, even in young, healthy individuals.
- Ophthalmologists should consider high-altitude exposure as a potential trigger for retinal vascular occlusions.
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