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[Retinal hemodynamics in patients with hyperviscosity syndrome]
Klinische Monatsblatter Fur Augenheilkunde
|March 1, 1995
Summary
Hyperviscosity syndrome increases plasma viscosity, significantly prolonging retinal arteriovenous passage time and causing circulatory disturbances. This study quantifies these hemodynamic changes in patients with conditions like Waldenström's macroglobulinaemia.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Hematology
- Medical Physiology
Context:
- Hyperviscosity syndrome, characterized by increased blood viscosity due to macromolecule polymerization, can lead to microcirculatory disturbances.
- Retinal manifestations of hyperviscosity include hemorrhages, edema, and venous dilation.
Purpose:
- To quantify retinal hemodynamic changes in patients with hyperviscosity syndrome.
- To investigate the relationship between plasma viscosity and retinal microcirculation.
Summary:
- Fifteen patients with hyperviscosity syndrome (Waldenström's macroglobulinaemia, cryoglobulinaemia, plasmacytoma) underwent video fluorescein angiography.
- Measurements included arteriovenous passage time (AVP), arm retina time (ART), hematocrit, and plasma viscosity (ETA).
- Patients exhibited significantly prolonged AVP (2.6 +/- 1.5 s vs. 1.6 +/- 0.4 s) and doubled plasma viscosity (2.54 +/- 2.23 mPas vs. 1.24 +/- 0.08 mPas) compared to controls.
Impact:
- Findings suggest increased plasma viscosity directly causes retinal circulatory disturbances in hyperviscosity syndrome.
- This contributes to the characteristic fundus changes observed in affected patients.
- Quantification of retinal hemodynamics aids in understanding and managing hyperviscosity-related ocular complications.