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Branch retinal vein occlusion associated with optic nerve drusen: a case report
1Irwin Retina Center, Ingalls Hospital, Chicago, IL 60426.
Ophthalmic Surgery
|January 1, 1989
Summary
Optic nerve drusen can compress branch retinal veins, leading to proliferative retinopathy. This rare complication requires prompt treatment like photocoagulation to prevent vision loss.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Retinal Vascular Diseases
Background:
- Optic nerve drusen are calcified deposits within the optic nerve head.
- Branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) is a common retinal vascular emergency.
Observation:
- A healthy 24-year-old woman presented with proliferative retinopathy.
- The patient had pre-existing optic nerve drusen and a branch retinal vein occlusion.
- A preretinal hemorrhage was noted secondary to the occlusion.
Findings:
- Quadrantic photocoagulation was successfully applied to the nonperfused retina.
- This case highlights a novel complication of optic nerve drusen: branch retinal vein compression.
Implications:
- Optic nerve drusen should be considered in the differential diagnosis of BRVO in young patients.
- Early recognition and treatment of BRVO secondary to optic nerve drusen are crucial for visual prognosis.