Cilioretinal artery occlusion with central retinal vein occlusion.

BACKGROUND: Combined cilioretinal artery and retinal vein occlusions are infrequently documented retinal vascular disorders of speculative origin. Occlusion of the cilioretinal artery is believed to result from either mechanical compression of the artery as a result of an increase in venous pressure or from a reduction in perfusion pressure in both the cilioretinal and retinal arteries. The ophthalmoscopic and angiographic features of this condition are reviewed. CASE REPORTS: Two cases of cilioretinal artery occlusion after central retinal vein occlusion are presented, one of which evolved to the development of iris neovascularization. DISCUSSION: The incidence of cilioretinal artery occlusions due to central retinal vein occlusions is infrequently reported in the literature. Excluding those with chronic cystoid macular edema, most patients have a favorable visual outcome. It is possible that the incidence of combined cilioretinal artery and central retinal vein occlusions is grossly underestimated.