H Seidel1, E Stegemann, C Heiss. 1. Institut für Hämostaseologie, Hämotherapie und Transfusionsmedizin, Medizinische Fakultät, Universität Düsseldorf, Moorenstr. 5, 40225, Düsseldorf, Deutschland, Holger.Seidel@med.uni-duesseldorf.de.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Sudden pain-free impairment of vision often occurs due to acute occlusions of retinal blood vessels. Retinal vascular occlusion can be distinguished into the more frequent venous and to a lesser degree arterial events but mixed pictures also occur. OBJECTIVES: Summary of the current literature regarding interdisciplinary diagnosis and therapy of retinal blood vessel occlusions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Selective literature review considering clinically relevant cardiovascular and hemostaseological aspects. RESULTS: The anatomical localization of the occlusion by the ophthalmologist can give important indications for further medical diagnostic and therapeutic decisions. Arterial occlusions are mostly caused by thromboembolisms and the source should be identified and treated. Venous occlusions are mostly due to local processes with a prothrombotic background or venous stasis associated with arterial hypertension. Prognostically, the localization, extent and duration of retinal ischemia are decisive factors. CONCLUSIONS: Vascular ocular occlusions are frequently secondary to internal disorders and therefore pose an interdisciplinary challenge.
BACKGROUND: Sudden pain-free impairment of vision often occurs due to acute occlusions of retinal blood vessels. Retinal vascular occlusion can be distinguished into the more frequent venous and to a lesser degree arterial events but mixed pictures also occur. OBJECTIVES: Summary of the current literature regarding interdisciplinary diagnosis and therapy of retinal blood vessel occlusions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Selective literature review considering clinically relevant cardiovascular and hemostaseological aspects. RESULTS: The anatomical localization of the occlusion by the ophthalmologist can give important indications for further medical diagnostic and therapeutic decisions. Arterial occlusions are mostly caused by thromboembolisms and the source should be identified and treated. Venous occlusions are mostly due to local processes with a prothrombotic background or venous stasis associated with arterial hypertension. Prognostically, the localization, extent and duration of retinal ischemia are decisive factors. CONCLUSIONS: Vascular ocular occlusions are frequently secondary to internal disorders and therefore pose an interdisciplinary challenge.
Authors: Michal Tendera; Victor Aboyans; Marie-Louise Bartelink; Iris Baumgartner; Denis Clément; Jean-Philippe Collet; Alberto Cremonesi; Marco De Carlo; Raimund Erbel; F Gerry R Fowkes; Magda Heras; Serge Kownator; Erich Minar; Jan Ostergren; Don Poldermans; Vincent Riambau; Marco Roffi; Joachim Röther; Horst Sievert; Marc van Sambeek; Thomas Zeller Journal: Eur Heart J Date: 2011-08-26 Impact factor: 29.983