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Published on: August 6, 2021
Bilateral simultaneous central retinal vein occlusion in hyperviscosity retinopathy treated with systemic
Michal Blau-Most1,2, Raz Gepstein1,2, Alexander Rubowitz1,2
1Department of Ophthalmology, Meir Medical Center, Kfar Sava, Israel.
Insights
This case report highlights a patient with bilateral central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) caused by hyperviscosity retinopathy. Prompt immunosuppressive therapy led to significant improvement, demonstrating effective treatment for this rare condition.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Hematology
- Immunology
Background:
- Bilateral central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) is a rare condition.
- Hyperviscosity retinopathy can present as CRVO.
- B cell lymphoproliferative disease is a potential cause of hyperviscosity.
Observation:
- An 87-year-old woman presented with bilateral CRVO.
- Spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) revealed significant bilateral macular edema.
- Systemic evaluation indicated B cell lymphoproliferative disease.
Findings:
- The patient received systemic immunosuppressive therapy (cyclophosphamide) for B cell lymphoproliferative disease.
- Significant resolution of retinal hemorrhages was observed.
- Partial resolution of macular edema occurred, with no recurrence or deterioration.
Implications:
- This case demonstrates a successful treatment of hyperviscosity retinopathy-induced CRVO with systemic immunosuppression alone.
- Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for managing this condition.
- Further research into the link between lymphoproliferative disorders and CRVO is warranted.
Purpose:
To describe the clinical presentation and imaging features of a patient presenting with bilateral central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO), who was subsequently diagnosed with hyperviscosity retinopathy due to B cell lymphoproliferative disease, and had a good response to systemic immunosuppressive therapy.
Observations:
A clinical case report of an 87-year-old woman who presented with bilateral CRVO. Visual acuity, clinical examination, spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT), color fundus photography and systemic evaluation were obtained. Ocular examination at presentation revealed bilateral CRVO, and OCT examination revealed significant central macular edema bilaterally. Six months after the diagnosis of hyperviscosity retinopathy and administration of systemic cyclophosphamide immunosuppressive therapy for B cell lymphoproliferative disease, most of the retinal hemorrhages resolved and partial resolution of the macular edema in the left eye was observed.
Conclusion And Importance:
This case describes the association between bilateral simultaneous CRVO and hyperviscosity. Under unique circumstances our patient received systemic therapy alone, without plasmapheresis. Although only limited therapy was applied, she didn't have deterioration or recurrent events; she had a small improvement in her macular edema and a significant improvement in her systemic functional state as well as reduction in her monoclonal IGM level.
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