Branch retinal arterial occlusion treated with intravenous prostaglandin e1 and steroids
Robert D Steigerwalt1, Gianni Belcaro, M Rosaria Cesarone
1From *Via A. Brofferio, 6, Rome, Italy; †University of Chieti, Department of Angiology, Chieti, Italy; ‡Irvine Vascular Labs, San Valentino, Pescara, Italy; §Department of Medical Retina, Ophthalmic Hospital, Rome, Italy; and ¶Via Grazioli Lante, 16, Rome, Italy.
Purpose:
To present the use of 6-methylprednisolone IV and prostaglandin E1 IV, a powerful vasodilator of the microcirculation, in the treatment of a branch retinal arterial occlusion.
Methods:
A 63-year-old man presented with a 3-hour history of a sudden loss of vision in the right eye. On ophthalmic examination, the diagnosis of a superior temporal branch retinal arterial occlusion was made. The patient was immediately given 40 mg of 6-methylprednisolone IV for more than 5 minutes followed by 80 μg of prostaglandin E1 with 2 milliequivalents of potassium IV for more than 3 hours. The same treatment was repeated the following morning.
Results:
The visual acuity in the right eye improved from 2/10 at presentation to 7/10 at the end of the second day of treatment. Clinically, there was a reduction of the posterior pole edema. Eleven days after treatment, the visual acuity was 9/10 with no retinal edema.
Conclusion:
Immediate prostaglandin E1 IV and steroids should be considered in cases of recent-onset branch retinal arterial occlusion to restore retinal blood flow and improve visual acuity.
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