"Cilioretinal artery occlusion: Current scenario"

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Vascular Medicine
• Retinal Imaging

Background:

• Cilioretinal artery occlusion (CLRAO) accounts for approximately 5% of retinal artery occlusions.
• It predominantly affects individuals unilaterally and is typically located temporally.
• Risk factors are diverse, including emboli, vasculitis, and hypercoagulable states.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the etiopathogenesis, clinical presentation, imaging features, and management strategies for CLRAO.
• To highlight the association of CLRAO with conditions like central retinal vein occlusion, ischemic optic neuropathy, and paracentral acute middle maculopathy (PAMM).
• To discuss current and potential therapeutic interventions for CLRAO.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on CLRAO.
• Analysis of clinical presentations and diagnostic imaging findings (FFA, SD OCT, OCTA).
• Evaluation of management options including thrombolysis, hyperbaric oxygen, and corticosteroids.

Main Results:

• CLRAO can present in isolation or with other vascular events.
• Imaging reveals characteristic findings like slow arterial filling and retinal layer hyperreflectivity.
• Paracentral scotomas are common, sometimes associated with PAMM.

Conclusions:

• CLRAO is a significant cause of vision loss with varied etiologies.
• Prompt diagnosis and timely intervention are crucial for visual prognosis.
• Further research and clinical trials are needed to optimize CLRAO management.