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Retinal emboli in patients with mitral valve prolapse
American Journal of Ophthalmology
|October 1, 1980
Summary
Prolapsed mitral valves can cause small clots leading to retinal occlusive disease and vision loss. Cardiologists should evaluate patients with unexplained ocular emboli for this condition.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Cardiology
- Vascular Medicine
Background:
- Prolapsed mitral valves (PMV) are associated with embolic events.
- Retinal occlusive disease presents with diverse ophthalmic manifestations.
Observation:
- Six patients with retinal occlusive disease were identified.
- These patients underwent comprehensive cardiac and systemic evaluations.
Findings:
- All six patients were diagnosed with prolapsed mitral valves.
- Small fibrin-platelet emboli from PMV were identified as the cause.
- Ophthalmic manifestations included amaurosis fugax, retinal arteriolar occlusion, and atypical Eales' disease.
Implications:
- Ophthalmologists should consider PMV in patients with unexplained ocular emboli.
- Cardiologic evaluation is crucial for diagnosing PMV in these cases.
- Early detection and management of PMV can prevent vision-threatening complications.