OCTA characteristics in non-arteritic central retinal artery occlusion and correlation with visual acuity

AIM:To observe the retinal and choroidal circulations in patients with non-arteritic permanent central retinal artery occlusion(NA-CRAO)via optical coherence tomography angiography(OCTA)and analyze their correlation with visual acuity.METHODS:Sixty-two eyes with clinically confirmed acute NA-CRAO were included in the study and divided into:A type(mild n=29),B type(moderate n=27)and C type(severe n=6)based on the degree of visual loss,retinal edema,and arterial blood flow delay in fundus fluorescence angiography(FFA).Contralateral healthy eyes were used as the control group.Best-corrected visual acuity(BCVA),slit lamp microscopy,indirect ophthalmoscopy,fundus color photography,OCTA,and FFA were performed.Spearman’s correlation analysis was used to determine the correlations between retinal and choroidal vessels and visual acuity.RESULTS:There were no statistically significant differences in age,gender,and intraocular pressure among the three types and the control group(P>0.05).Vessel density in deep capillary plexus(VD-DCP)significantly decreased(P<0.05)in all three types of NA-CRAO patients compared to the control group.Vessel density in superficial vascular plexus(VD-SVP)significantly decreased(P<0.05)in type A patients and choriocapillaris flow area significantly decreased(P<0.05)in type B and type C patients compared to the control group;while outer retinal flow areas significantly increased in the type A(P<0.05)and decreased in type C patients(P<0.05).The retinal thickness significantly increased in type C group(P<0.05).The VD-SVP at fovea in the type A was significantly lower than both of type B and C.The VD-SVP at nasal parafovea in type A and B was significantly lower than type C(P<0.05).The logMAR BCVA of type A was significantly better than that of type B and C groups(P<0.05).Spearman’s correlation analysis showed that the logMAR BCVA was positively correlated with VD-SVP at fovea(r=0.679,P=0.031)and nasal parafovea(r=0.826,P=0.013).CONCLUSION:OCTA is valuable for assessing retinal ischemia,and evaluating visual impairment.Deep retinal vasculature is commonly affected in all NA-CRAO types.VDSVPs at fovea and nasal parafovea can serve as reliable markers of visual impairment in NA-CRAO.

Risk factors of non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy and central retinal artery occlusion

AIM:To investigate the difference in risk factors between non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy(NAION)and central retinal artery occlusion(CRAO)and develop a predictive diagnostic nomogram.METHODS:The study included 37 patients with monocular NAION,20 with monocular CRAO,and 24 with hypertension.Gender,age,and systemic diseases were recorded.Blood routine,lipids,hemorheology,carotid and brachial artery doppler ultrasound,and echocardiography were collected.The optic disc area,cup area,and cup-to-disc ratio(C/D)of the unaffected eye in the NAION and CRAO group and the right eye in the hypertension group were measured.RESULTS:The carotid artery intimal medial thickness(C-IMT)of the affected side of the CRAO group was thicker(P=0.039)and its flow-mediated dilation(FMD)was lower(P=0.049)than the NAION group.Compared with hypertension patients,NAION patients had higher whole blood reduced viscosity low-shear(WBRV-L)and erythrocyte aggregation index(EAI;P=0.045,0.037),and CRAO patients had higher index of rigidity of erythrocyte(IR)and erythrocyte deformation index(EDI;P=0.004,0.001).The optic cup and the C/D of the NAION group were smaller than the other two groups(P<0.0001).The diagnostic prediction model showed high diagnostic specificity(83.7%)and sensitivity(85.6%),which was highly related to hypertension,the C-IMT of the affected side,FMD,platelet(PLT),EAI,and C/D.CONCLUSION:CRAO patients show thicker C-IMT and worse endothelial function than NAION.NAION and CRAO may be related to abnormal hemorheology.A small cup and small C/D may be involved in NAION.The diagnostic nomogram can be used to preliminarily identify NAION and CRAO.

Orbital and sinus rhabdomyosarcoma with concurrent central retinal artery occlusion:A case report

BACKGROUND Both rhabdomyosarcoma(RMS)and central retinal artery occlusion(CRAO)are rare medical diseases,and their simultaneous occurrence in the same patient is extraordinarily uncommon.This study presents a comprehensive overview of the clinical manifestations,diagnostic imaging results,and therapeutic interventions of a patient with both conditions.CASE SUMMARY In this report,we present a 30-year-old male who presented with significant protrusion,pain and vision loss and was diagnosed with RMS in the orbit and sinus with CRAO.Following resection of the sinus and orbital mass and enucleation of the right eye,the patient experienced symptom improvement.CONCLUSION This article provides an in-depth analysis of the patient’s clinical manifestations,the tumor’s anatomical origin,and the etiology of CRAO.The concurrent manifestation of both RMS and CRAO is exceedingly uncommon in clinical practice.

Disorganization of the retinal inner layers as a prognostic factor in eyes with central retinal artery occlusion

AIM: To evaluate baseline foveal disorganisation of retinal inner layers(DRIL) as a prognostic factor in eyes with central retinal artery occlusion(CRAO). METHODS: Twenty-eight CRAO patients who were followed-up between 2010 and 2016 were retrospectively investigated. Demographic characteristics and detailed ophthalmological examination findings of all patients were recorded. Macular thicknesses(MTs) from 5 separate spots and DRIL were measured with spectral-domain optic coherence tomography(SD-OCT). Correlations between DRIL score and logMAR converted visual acuity(VA), change in VA, patient reference time(RT), number of hyperbaric oxygen therapy(HBOT) sessions, MT and MT change were investigated.RESULTS: There was a positive correlation between the DRIL score and the final VA(r=0.787) and a negative correlation with the change in VA(r=-0.763). The RT and MT were closely related to the DRIL score. A negative correlation was found between the number of HBOT sessions and the DRIL score(r=-0.341).CONCLUSION: The DRIL score is a parameter assessed by SD-OCT, which can provide us reliable information regarding the prognosis of visual functions and response to the treatment for CRAO patients at acute phase.

Central retinal artery occlusion and traumatic optic neuropathy following blunt ocular trauma

Dear Editor,We are writing to present a case report of central retinal artery occlusion（CRAO）and traumatic optic neuropathy（TON）with immediate visual loss caused by blunt facial trauma with a soccer ball.CRAO is an ophthalmic emergency with an estimated incidence of 10 in 1 million.

Prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 among central retinal artery occlusion patients:A case series-HORA study report No.3

Introduction:COVID-19 patients are susceptible to hypercoagulability,thromboembolic,and vasculitis state;central retinal artery occlusion(CRAO)could be caused by hyperviscosity syndrome,thromboembolic accidents,and vasculitis.Evolving case reports are correlating CRAO with COVID-19 patients.Our case series aims to reveal the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 among CRAO patients under the COVID-19 pandemic.Methods:Medical records of all CRAO patients who attended our tertiary referral hospital,during COVID-19 local outbreak(March to November 2020),were reviewed.Respiratory tract samples were tested for SARS-CoV-2 by the validated Xpert Xpress SARS-CoV-2 assay.If patients were able to cooperate,oropharyngeal saliva samples were obtained.Otherwise,nasopharyngeal and deep throat swabs were taken by registered nurses.Results:A total of 15 CRAO patients(7 males,8 females)were identified during the 9-month study period.The mean age was 72.1-years(range 45-88 year).None of the patients were infected by SARS-CoV-2 before their CRAO disease episodes.Three patients had a history of CRAO over the contralateral eye.No patient was diagnosed with COVID-19 up to their last follow-up(mean 255.4 days,range 152-341 days).Without any COVID-19 positive case,correlation statistical tests on SARS-CoV-2 infection and CRAO were not established.Conclusions:Some of the presumed COVID-19 related CRAO cases may be just coincident with at-risk patients,as COVID-19 is prevalent across the world.More in-depth research,with adjustment to known confounding risk factors,is needed to establish a genuine correlation.

Correlation of the history of stroke and the retinal artery occlusion: a nested case-control study

AIM:To analyze the systemic factors including stroke history related to the retinal artery occlusion(RAO).METHODS:Patients with an exact diagnosis of RAO in the medical database of the Kailuan Corporation were identified as the case group.Five patients without RAO were added for each case from the Kailuan Study and matched for sex and age(age±2)as the control group.The Kailuan Study is a general population-based cohort study in northern China,in which a total of 101510 individuals(81110 men)aged 18-98 y were recruited to participate in the study.And the participants were bi-annually reexamined.The database of both groups was from Kailuan study of 2010 cohort.All the information,including the demographic characteristics,lifestyle behaviors,medical comorbidities,medical history,family medical history,drug usage,anthropometric measurements,blood pressure measurement,blood sample laboratory assessment,urine tests,and other physical examinations were all collected.A retrospective nested case-control method was used for this study.Conditional multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze the risk factors with SPSS 13.0 software and SAS 9.3 software.RESULTS:A total of 45 patients were included as the case group,and the control group included 225 patients.In the case group,28 patients(62.2%)had a central retinal artery occlusion(CRAO),and 17 patients(37.8%)had a branch retinal artery occlusion(BRAO).A total of 18 patients(40.0%)had a stroke before the RAO(mean 4.04±3.88 y before the RAO),and 31 patients(81.6%)had infarctions or malacia identified by the cranial computed tomography(CT)scans.The basal ganglia and centrum semiovale were the most frequently involved regions.Plaques in the common carotid artery were present in 32 patients(88.9%).Conditional multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the RAO was found to be associated with the history of stroke(P=0.0023,OR=28.794;95%CI:3.322-249.586).CONCLUSION:A history of stroke can significantly increase the incidence of RAO.Exists of plaque in the carotid artery is mean more than its severe stenosis for RAO.

Central retinal artery occlusion after endovascular coil embolization for internal carotid artery aneurysm

Dear Editor,We are writing this letter to report an unexpected rare caseofcentralretinalarteryocclusion(CRAO)happened after stent-assisted coiling for internal carotid artery(ICA)aneurysm in a female patient.CRAO is a devastating ocular emergency with poor visual prognosis and no universal acceptedtreatmentatpresent.CRAOisusuallyassociated witharterialhypertension,diabetesmellitus,renaldisease.

Anomalous retinal artery associated with branch retinal artery occlusion and neovascular glaucoma: A case report

BACKGROUND Congenital anomalous retinal artery is rare and does not typically affect visual acuity.However,an abnormal artery that passes through and supplies blood to the macular area complicated with branch retinal artery occlusion may negatively impact visual acuity.This study reports an unusual case of anomalous retinal artery combined with retinal artery occlusion.CASE SUMMARY A 52-year-old male presented with severely reduced vision in the right eye.The fundus examination revealed an anomalous artery,extending from the superior temporal arcade and crossing the macula into the inferior temporal quadrant.The anomalous artery was partially occluded,with a narrowed lumen.A cherry-red spot was observed with whitening of the macular area,suggesting macular edema.Fundus fluorescein angiography revealed disc leakage and a delayed filling time.Optical coherence tomography revealed increased thickness of the neuroretina and underlying layers.The patient was treated with vessel dilation,hyperbaric oxygen,ocular massage,and thrombolytics.Visual acuity of the right eye subsequently improved to 20/200 from hand motion at 4 cm.This improvement in visual acuity persisted when the patient was examined at the 1-mo follow-up visit.The patient was subsequently followed via telephone interview.The information provided via interview indicated that visual acuity in the affected eye was stable up to 6 years from the time of the initial presentation.However,after 3 additional years,the patient was diagnosed with neovascular glaucoma in the right eye,which was subsequently enucleated.CONCLUSION Although congenital retinal vascular anomaly,including anomalous retinal artery,rarely affects vision,when complicated with branch retinal artery occlusion,the abnormal artery that supplies the macula may severely reduce visual acuity.

Bilateral Central Retinal Vein Occlusions Combined with Artery Occlusions in A Patient with Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome

Purpose: This is the first report of a bilateral nonischemic central retinal vein occlusionscombined with artery occlusions in a patient with acquired immune deficiency syndrome(AIDS). Methods: Case report. Results: A 22-year-old Chinese(male) with a positive human immunodeficiency virus(HIV) infection developed bilateral nonischemic central retinal vein occlusions combinedwith artery occlusions and severe vision loss. The manifestations of the fundus andfluorescein angiography were similar in both eyes.Conclusion: This case report provides the evidences that central retinal vein and arteryocclusions are probably part of the spectrum of AIDS vascular diseases.

Treatment controversies in a rare case of a simultaneous branch retinal artery and vein occlusion secondary to hyperhomocysteinemia and hypertension

Dear Editor,Combined vascular occlusions involving retinal arteries and veins have been reported in the past. Combined occlusion of the central retinal vein （CRVO） and artery （CRAO）is well described;. Cilioretinal artery occlusion along with CRVO is frequently reported and is well characterized;.

Long-Term Evaluation of Retinal Artery Occlusion Patients Who Applied Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment

Introduction： Hyperbaric oxygen treatment （HBOT） is one of the treatment modalities for retinal artery occlusion （RAO）. HBOT may be beneficial if initiated within 2-12 hours of onset of symptoms. The objective of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of HBOT on the patients who had applied to our center for HBOT with an RAO diagnose. Methods： Sixteen patients were included in this study for a three-year period those were applied HBOT with RAO diagnosis. HBOT sessions of these patients had been started as quick as possible soon after they have arrived. Also, all patients had been started medication by ophthalmologists who sent them. To evaluate the outcome of the treatment the patients were called with telephone and ophthalmology clinic control examinations were obtained. Patients were asked survey questions about their visual ameliorations before and after HBOT. Results： Mean initiation duration of patients to get HBOT was about 28 hours. Only one patient has initiated treatment after 13 days from the event and no visual improvement was recorded. Within this patient, no visual amelioration was recorded for two more patients. Among the other 13 patients, three had 80% and more, three had 50-79% and seven had below 50% visual amelioration. Eleven of 13 patients had peripheral visual field amelioration. Discussion： With the medical treatment, an immediate intervention of HBOT was considered a useful treatment modality for RAO. The visual improvement of the visual fields was considered especially in the peripheral vision rather than central vision.

Localized Administration of Tissue Plasminogen Activator through the Ophthalmic Artery in the Setting of Central Retinal Artery Occlusion

Treatment of central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) has been an ambiguous entity in the medical community. Many interventions have been explored;however, a standard of care has yet to be defined. Recent studies have suggested localized intra-arterial fibrinolysis as a promising method;however, a timeframe for optimal treatment initiation continues to be investigated. This case demonstrates an instance of CRAO treated with local fibrinolysis, however, what could be due to delayed time-to-treat, final visual outcomes were unfavorable. In conjunction with supporting literature, we believe optimization of thrombolytic protocols should be sought after to facilitate successful treatment outcomes. In addition, we encourage community awareness of the signs and symptoms of CRAO in hopes that earlier patient presentations will lead to swifter interventions and overall preservation of ocular function.

复方樟柳碱联合血栓通及葛根素治疗CRAO的疗效

目的:观察复方樟柳碱联合血栓通及葛根素注射液治疗视网膜中央动脉阻塞(central retinal artery occlusion,CRAO)的临床疗效。方法:对25例25眼CRAO患者采用复方樟柳碱联合血栓通及葛根素注射液等相关药物治疗,根据视力恢复情况、视野缺损减少范围、视网膜血液循环改善状况等进行观察分析。结果:经过复方樟柳碱联合血栓通及葛根素注射液等相关药物的治疗,25眼CRAO中治愈2眼,显效8眼,有效13眼,无效2眼,总有效率为92%。结论:复方樟柳碱联合血栓通及葛根素注射液等相关药物治疗CRAO是有显著疗效的。

选择性眼动脉溶栓治疗CRAO前后眼底荧光素血管造影的改变

目的观察视网膜中央动脉阻塞(central retinal artery occlusion,CRAO)采用选择性眼动脉溶栓治疗前后的荧光素眼底血管造影(fundus fluorescein angiography,FFA)表现,了解溶栓治疗对视网膜中央动脉血流灌注的改善情况。方法收集2006年2月至2009年5月在我科采取选择性眼动脉溶栓治疗CRAO患者,观察患者溶栓前后眼底情况并记录溶栓前、溶栓后48h、溶栓后1个月的荧光血管造影臂-视网膜动脉显影时间及视网膜动-静脉显影时间,并进行对比。结果本研究共收集CRAO患者24例,溶栓前臂-视网膜动脉显影时间平均为(28.87±6.85)s,溶栓后48h及1个月臂-视网膜动脉显影时间分别为(15.21±4.01)s及(15.71±3.43)s,与溶栓前对比显著缩短,差异均有显著统计学意义(均为P<0.001);溶栓前视网膜动-静脉显影时间平均为(40.17±8.55)s,溶栓后48h及1个月视网膜动-静脉显影时间分别为(22.25±4.73)s及(21.71±3.77)s,与溶栓前比较缩短,差异也均有显著统计学意义(均为P<0.001)。溶栓后1个月数字减影血管造影显示:视网膜内层水肿逐渐减轻,但视盘及视网膜神经纤维层出现不同程度萎缩。结论选择性介入溶栓治疗CRAO可及时有效恢复视网膜血供,缩短荧光造影的臂-视网膜动脉显影时间及视网膜动-静脉充盈时间,但即使迅速恢复了视网膜中央动脉血供,仍可会出现视网膜神经组织不同程度的组织形态学损害。

CRAO患者视网膜组织的频域OCT和短波长眼底自发荧光表现特征

背景急性期与非急性期视网膜中央动脉阻塞（CRAO）患者眼外层视网膜有不同的组织病理改变，而频域光相干断层扫描（SD-OCT）和短波长眼底自发荧光（SW-AF）为无创性影像检查。 目的探讨CRAO患者视网膜组织的SD-OCT和SW-AF的表现特征。 方法采用回顾性研究方法。采集2012年3月至2014年1月在第四军医大学西京医院确诊的CRAO患者36例38眼的SD-OCT、SW-AF、眼底荧光血管造影（FFA）及彩色眼底像进行对比分析，并研究SD-OCT和SW-AF在急性期和非急性期CRAO诊断和鉴别诊断中的应用价值。 结果CRAO患者38眼中，急性期CRAO者26眼，占68.42%，其中2眼发现后极部有睫状动脉；非急性期CRAO者12眼，占31.58%。SD-OCT揭示急性期CRAO眼视网膜内层水肿、增厚，组织结构模糊，SW-AF强度减弱，且CRAO患者SW-AF异常表现的程度和范围与FFA结果和眼底彩色图像结果吻合。非急性期CRAO眼SD-OCT表现为视网膜内层变薄，组织层次减少，视网膜外层结构及厚度正常，而SW-AF表现特征接近正常眼。 结论SD-OCT可显示急性期和非急性期CRAO视网膜各层的水肿和厚度变化，而SW-AF可提供急性CRAO视网膜病变区的异常信息。作为无创性眼底检查方法，SD-OCT和SW-AF在CRAO的诊断和鉴别诊断中发挥重要作用。

Intraocular complications of IFN-α and ribavirin therapy in patients with chronic viral hepatitis C

We report a panel of severe inflammatory and vascular intraocular disorders occurring during interferon-alpha （IFN-α） treatment in eight hepatitis C virus （HCV）- infected patients. These events include three cases of Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada like （VKH） disease （an association of panuveitis, retinal detachment, ear and meningeal detachment and skin and hair changes）, two cases of central retinal vein occlusion, one case of central retinal artery occlusion, one case of severe hypertensive retinopathy and one case of bilateral ischemic optic neuropathy with severe visual impairment. Rare as they are, such severe ophthalmological complications require a close follow-up of HCV-infected patients under IFN-α breabnent with ophthalmological monitoring if any ocular manifestation occurs.

Acute retinal arterial ischemia

Acute retinal arterial ischemia,which includes transient monocular vision loss(TMVL),branch retinal artery occlusion(BRAO),central retinal artery occlusion(CRAO)and ophthalmic artery occlusion(OAO),is most commonly the consequence of an embolic phenomenon from the ipsilateral carotid artery,heart or aortic arch,leading to partial or complete occlusion of the central retinal artery(CRA)or its branches.Acute retinal arterial ischemia is the ocular equivalent of acute cerebral ischemia and is an ophthalmic and medical emergency.Patients with acute retinal arterial ischemia are at a high risk of having further vascular events,such as subsequent strokes and myocardial infarctions(MIs).Therefore,prompt diagnosis and urgent referral to appropriate specialists and centers is necessary for further work-up(such as brain magnetic resonance imaging with diffusion weighted imaging,vascular imaging,and cardiac monitoring and imaging)and potential treatment of an urgent etiology(e.g.,carotid dissection or critical carotid artery stenosis).Since there are no proven,effective treatments to improve visual outcome following permanent retinal arterial ischemia(central or branch retinal artery occlusion),treatment must focus on secondary prevention measures to decrease the likelihood of subsequent ischemic events.

CRAO患者黄斑区视网膜血管密度及其与视网膜循环时间的关系

目的:利用光学相干断层扫描血管成像(OCTA)观察视网膜中央动脉阻塞(CRAO)急性期患者黄斑区视网膜血管密度,并分析其与眼底荧光素血管造影(FFA)视网膜循环时间的关系。方法:回顾性病例分析。纳入2019-01/2021-03就诊于陕西省眼科医院且临床诊断为CRAO急性期(病程≤7d)的患者43例43眼,均行FFA、OCTA、最佳矫正视力(BCVA)等检查及溶栓治疗。将治疗前OCTA显示患眼视网膜血管血流信号较对侧健眼增强或不变的患者纳入A组,OCTA显示患眼视网膜血管血流信号较对侧健眼降低的患者纳入B组。应用Image J软件处理OCTA图像评估治疗前黄斑区视网膜血管密度,FFA检查记录治疗前患眼视网膜循环时间。结果:A组患者患眼和对侧健眼视网膜血管密度均高于B组(25.08%±4.40%vs 12.24%±3.41%,25.72%±2.70%vs 17.89%±4.55%,均P<0.001),B组患者视网膜动脉主干-末梢充盈时间(FT)[96(20.50,193.50)s]较A组[11(5.00,19.50)s]延长(P<0.001)。病程、对侧健眼视网膜血管密度、FT是患眼视网膜血管密度的相关因素(均P<0.05),且影响强度由大到小依次是FT、病程、对侧健眼视网膜血管密度,其中病程、FT与患眼视网膜血管密度具有负相关性。结论:CRAO患者OCTA视网膜血管密度与FFA视网膜循环时间具有相关性。

头面部美容填充物致眼动脉及其分支动脉阻塞的临床特征和视力预后影响因素分析

目的总结头面部美容填充物注射引起的眼动脉及其分支动脉阻塞的临床特征和视力预后影响因素。方法本研究为回顾性病例研究。共纳入头面部美容填充物注射后立即出现视力下降、视物重影或上睑下垂等眼科症状的患者26例,收集并分析所有患者的临床和影像学资料。结果26例患者中,注射透明质酸者23例,注射自体脂肪者2例,注射干细胞制剂者1例。注射点位于额部8例、额部+眉间4例、眉间3例、眉间+鼻根1例、鼻根4例、鼻翼1例、眼睑4例、颞侧头皮1例。临床表现:眼动脉阻塞2例,视网膜中央动脉阻塞(central retinal artery occlusion,CRAO)7例(其中不完全性CRAO 1例),睫状后短动脉阻塞12例[其中非动脉炎性前部缺血性视神经病变(non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy,NAION)6例、非动脉炎性后部缺血性视神经病变3例、局限性脉络膜水肿3例],眼外肌麻痹5例(其中眼动脉肌支阻塞4例,动眼神经麻痹1例),上睑下垂4例,瞳孔散大2例。其中6例患者同时发生2种眼部受累表现,包括CRAO+局限性脉络膜水肿2例,NAION+局限性脉络膜水肿1例,NAION+肌支阻塞1例,NAION+动眼神经麻痹1例,上睑下垂+肌支阻塞1例。头颅MRI检查显示新发性脑梗死灶3例。18例视网膜或视神经受累患者中,11例患者表现为完全性CRAO或弥漫性视神经缺血,治疗前后患者视力无改变;7例患者表现为不完全性CRAO或节段性视神经缺血,治疗后患者视力有明显改善。结论头面部美容填充物注射引起的眼动脉及其分支动脉阻塞视力预后差,不完全性CRAO、节段性视神经缺血和初诊时最佳矫正视力≥0.02的患者视力预后较好。