Helene M Kaiser1, Jean Marie Pagani. 1. Pennsylvania College of Optometry, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19141, USA. HKaiser@pco.edu
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Unlike retinal arterial macroaneurysms, retinal venous macroaneurysms are rare. Retrospective studies have previously described venous macroaneurysms predominantly in association with branch retinal vein obstruction. Only 2 cases of isolated retinal venous macroaneurysm without venous occlusion have been described in the literature. The patient being described in this case report has the third isolated nonocclusive venous macroaneurysm to be reported. CASE: A healthy 43-year-old white woman presented for a routine eye examination with no history of visual disturbance other than long-standing amblyopia in the left eye (O.S.). An isolated retinal venous macroaneurysm was found on the inferior temporal retinal vein just beyond the optic disc margin. All other retinal findings were normal. One-month and 6-month followup examinations showed the macroaneurysm unchanged. The etiology of the retinal venous macroaneurysm in this case is unknown. CONCLUSION: This patient has an isolated retinal venous macroaneurysm of unknown etiology. Based on the clinical profile of the patient, it is unlikely, although admittedly not impossible, for this to have resulted from a previous venous occlusive event. The identification and documentation of this extremely rare vascular phenomenon will help improve our understanding of its significance as well as any potential ocular sequela.
BACKGROUND: Unlike retinal arterial macroaneurysms, retinal venous macroaneurysms are rare. Retrospective studies have previously described venous macroaneurysms predominantly in association with branch retinal vein obstruction. Only 2 cases of isolated retinal venous macroaneurysm without venous occlusion have been described in the literature. The patient being described in this case report has the third isolated nonocclusive venous macroaneurysm to be reported. CASE: A healthy 43-year-old white woman presented for a routine eye examination with no history of visual disturbance other than long-standing amblyopia in the left eye (O.S.). An isolated retinal venous macroaneurysm was found on the inferior temporal retinal vein just beyond the optic disc margin. All other retinal findings were normal. One-month and 6-month followup examinations showed the macroaneurysm unchanged. The etiology of the retinal venous macroaneurysm in this case is unknown. CONCLUSION: This patient has an isolated retinal venous macroaneurysm of unknown etiology. Based on the clinical profile of the patient, it is unlikely, although admittedly not impossible, for this to have resulted from a previous venous occlusive event. The identification and documentation of this extremely rare vascular phenomenon will help improve our understanding of its significance as well as any potential ocular sequela.