ObjectiveTo observe the clinical effect of the ophthalmic artery branch retrograde interventional therapy for central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO). MethodsFourteen CRAO patients (14 eyes) were enrolled in this study, including 8 males and 6 females. The age was ranged from 35 to 80 years old,with an average of (56.7±20.3) years. The duration of occurrence after the onset was 9 to 72 hours, with a mean of 22 hours. There were 4 eyes with vision of no light perception, 5 eyes with light perception and 5 eyes with hand movement. The intraocular pressure was ranged from 14-20 mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa), with an average of 19 mmHg. All the patients received the treatment of ophthalmic artery branch retrograde interventional therapy according to the indications and contraindications of thrombolytic therapy in acute cerebral infraction patients. Micro catheters was inserted into the exposed arteries from a skin incision below the eyebrow under guidance of digital subtraction angiography (DSA), urokinase (total 0.4 million U) and papaverine 30 mg were injected into the arteries. After artery thrombolysis, the changes of DSA, filling time of retinal artery and its branches on fluorescence fundus angiography (FFA) within 48 hours and the visual acuity were observed. According to the visual acuity of post-treatment and pre-treatment, the therapeutic effects on vision were defined as effective markedly (improving 3 lines or more), effective (improving 2 lines) and no effect (change within 1 line or a decline). According to the arm-retinal circulation time (A-Rct) and filling time of retinal artery and its branches (FT) on fluorescence fundus angiography (FFA), the therapeutic effects on retinal circulation were defined as effective markedly (A-Rct 15 s, FT 2 s), effective (A-Rct was improved but in the range of 16-20 s, FT was in 3-8 s) and no effect (A-Rct was improved but 21 s, FT 9 s). The follow up ranged from 5 to 21days, with a mean of 6 days. The related local or systemic complications were recorded. ResultsOphthalmic arterial catheterization under DSA was successful in all 14 eyes. After intermittent injection of drugs, ophthalmic artery and internal carotid artery displayed good images in DSA. The results showed enlargement of ophthalmic artery and its branches after injection of thrombolytic drugs by micro catheters. The circulation time in ophthalmic artery is speed up for 2 s before thrombolysis in 5 eyes, 3 s in 6 eyes, and 4 s in 3 eyes. Within 48 hours after thrombolysis treatment, the filling time of retinal artery and its branches on FFA was significantly increased than that of before interventional therapy. The retinal circulation was effective markedly in 8 eyes (57.1%), effective in 4 eyes (28.6%) and no effect in 2 eyes (14.3%). The vision changes showed effective markedly in 6 eyes (42.9%), effective in 6 eyes (42.9%), no effect in 2 eyes (14.2%). There was no abnormal eye movements, vitreous hemorrhage and incision hematoma, intracranial hemorrhage, cerebral embolism, and other local and systemic adverse effectives during the follow-up. ConclusionsThe ophthalmic artery branch retrograde interventional therapy in the treatment for CRAO can improve retinal circulation and vision. And there is no related local or systemic complications.
ObjectiveTo observe the clinical features of retinal arterial occlusion (RAO) in youth.MethodsThis is a retrospective case review. Nine patients (9 eyes) with RAO were enrolled in this study. There were 6 males (6 eyes) and 3 females (3 eyes). The average age was (14.22±3.93) years. The best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), indirect ophthalmoscopy, fundus color photography and fundus fluorescein angiography were performed. All patients underwent systemic evaluation including blood routine, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, blood lipids, vasculitis screening, homocysteine level, antiphospholipid antibody, blood coagulation, neck vascular ultrasound, and cardiac color ultrasound and electrocardiogram examination. All patients received oxygen therapy, blood medications and symptomatic treatment. Meanwhile, the patients with autoimmune diseases were received systemic glucocorticoid therapy. The follow-up was ranged from 6 to 12 months. The visual acuity and fundus change before and after treatment were compared.Resultsamong 9 patients, one patient had systemic lupus erythematosus, one patient had congenital heart disease, one patient had hypergammaglobulinemia, and carotid artery color ultrasonography showed that the internal carotid artery vessels faltered in 2 cases. The BCVA was 0.01 - 0.12. Among 9 eyes, there were 5 eyes (55.6%) with retinal branch artery occlusion (BRAO), 2 eyes (22.2%) with central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO), 2 eyes (22.2%) with ciliary retinal artery occlusion (CLAO). CRAO eyes showed positive RAPD (relative afferent pupillary defect), fine retinal artery and the corresponding vein, pale white retinal edema in posterior area and macular cherry-red spot. BRAO eyes manifested as inferior temporal artery occlusion and pale white retinal edema around them. CLAO eyes showed temporal ligulate grey-white retinal edema. At the last follow-up, BCVA improved and retinal vessels returned to normal in 7 eyes (77.8%); BCVA unchanged and no improvement in fundus in 2 eyes (22.2%).ConclusionAdolescent RAO is mostly partial occlusion, the prognosis is generally good after early active treatment.
ObjectiveTo compare the clinical effects of urokinase thrombolytic therapy for optic artery occlusion (OAO) and retinal artery occlusion (RAO) caused by facial microinjection with hyaluronic acid and spontaneous RAO.MethodsFrom January 2014 to February 2018, 22 eyes of 22 patients with OAO and RAO caused by facial microinjection of hyaluronic acid who received treatment in Xi'an Fourth Hospital were enrolled in this retrospective study (hyaluronic acid group). Twenty-two eyes of 22 patients with spontaneous RAO were selected as the control group. The BCVA examination was performed using the international standard visual acuity chart, which was converted into logMAR visual acuity. FFA was used to measure arm-retinal circulation time (A-Rct) and filling time of retinal artery and its branches (FT). Meanwhile, MRI examination was performed. There were significant differences in age and FT between the two groups (t=14.840, 3.263; P=0.000, 0.003). The differecens of logMAR visual acuity, onset time and A-Rct were not statistically significant between the two groups (t=0.461, 0.107, 1.101; P=0.647, 0.915, 0.277). All patients underwent urokinase thrombolysis after exclusion of thrombolytic therapy. Among the patients in the hyaluronic acid group and control group, there were 6 patients of retrograde ophthalmic thrombolysis via the superior pulchlear artery, 6 patients of retrograde ophthalmic thrombolysis via the internal carotid artery, and 10 patients of intravenous thrombolysis. FFA was reviewed 24 h after treatment, and A-Rct and FT were recorded. Visual acuity was reviewed 30 days after treatment. The occurrence of adverse reactions during and after treatment were observed. The changes of logMAR visual acuity, A-Rct and FT before and after treatment were compared between the two groups using t-test.ResultsAt 24 h after treatment, the A-Rct and FT of the hyaluronic acid group were 21.05±3.42 s and 5.05±2.52 s, which were significantly shorter than before treatment (t=4.569, 2.730; P=0.000, 0.000); the A-Rct and FT in the control group were 19.55±4.14 s and 2.55±0.91 s, which were significantly shorter than before treatment (t=4.114, 7.601; P=0.000, 0.000). There was no significant difference in A-Rct between the two groups at 24 h after treatment (t=1.311, P=0.197). The FT difference was statistically significant between the two groups at 24 h after treatment (t=4.382, P=0.000). There was no significant difference in the shortening time of A-Rct and FT between the two groups (t=0.330, 0.510; P=0.743, 0.613). At 30 days after treatment, the logMAR visual acuity in the hyaluronic acid group and the control group were 0.62±0.32 and 0.43±0.17, which were significantly higher than those before treatment (t=2.289, 5.169; P=0.029, 0.000). The difference of logMAR visual acuity between the two groups after treatment was statistically significant (t=2.872, P=0.008). The difference in logMAR visual acuity before and after treatment between the two groups was statistically significant (t=2.239, P=0.025). No ocular or systemic adverse reactions occurred during or after treatment in all patients. ConclusionsUrokinase thrombolytic therapy for OAO and RAO caused by facial microinjection with hyaluronic acid and spontaneous RAO is safe and effective, with shortening A-Rct, FT and improving visual acuity. However, the improvement of visual acuity after treatment of OAO and RAO caused by facial microinjection with hyaluronic acid is worse than that of spontaneous RAO.
Objective To observe the clinical features of combined central retinal artery and vein occlusion. Methods The clinical data of eight patients of combined central retinal artery and vein occlusion diagnosed by fundus examination and fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA) was analyzed retrospectively, including the causes, fundus manifestations and FFA features. Results 4/8 patients had hypertension and dyslipidemia, 2/8 patients had traumatic retrobulbar hemorrhage, one patient had orbital cellulitis and one patient had systemic lupus erythematosus. All the patients had posterior pole retinal edema, hemorrhage, thin retinal artery, dilated vein, and papilledema. FFA showed delayed arterial filling, and there was no filling of retinal arterial branches until the late stage of FFA. Laminar flow delayed in large retinal veins, and there was no filling or only retrograde filling in retinal vein branches. Large areas with dot-like or patchy weak choroidal fluorescence can be observed in five patients. Conclusions Combined central retinal artery and vein occlusion is rare with complex etiology. The fundus manifestations and FFA features are atypical, but have features of central retinal artery occlusion and central retinal vein occlusion.
Objective To observe the clinical effect of intravenous thrombolytic therapy for central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) with poor effect after the treatment of arterial thrombolytic therapy. Methods Twenty-four CRAO patients (24 eyes) with poor effect after the treatment of arterial thrombolytic therapy were enrolled in this study. There were 11 males and 13 females. The age was ranged from 35 to 80 years, with the mean age of (56.7±15.6) years. There were 11 right eyes and 13 left eyes. The visual acuity was tested by standard visual acuity chart. The arm-retinal circulation time (A-Rct) and the filling time of retinal artery and its branches (FT) were detected by fluorescein fundus angiography (FFA). The visual acuity was ranged from light sensation to 0.5, with the average of 0.04±0.012. The A-Rct was ranged from 18.0 s to 35.0 s, with the mean of (29.7±5.8) s. The FT was ranged from 4.0 s to 16.0 s, with the mean of (12.9±2.3) s. All patients were treated with urokinase intravenous thrombolytic therapy. The dosage of urokinase was 3000 U/kg, 2 times/d, adding 250 ml of 0.9% sodium chloride intravenous drip, 2 times between 8 - 10 h, and continuous treatment of FFA after 5 days. Comparative analysis was performed on the visual acuity of the patients before and after treatment, and the changes of A-Rct and FT. Results After intravenous thrombolytic therapy, the A-Rct was ranged from 16.0 s to 34.0 s, with the mean of (22.4±5.5) s. Among 24 eyes, the A-Rct was 27.0 - 34.0 s in 4 eyes (16.67%), 18.0 - 26.0 s in 11 eyes (45.83%); 16.0 - 17.0 s in 9 eyes (37.50%). The FT was ranged from 2.4 s to 16.0 s, with the mean of (7.4±2.6) s. Compared with before intravenous thrombolytic therapy, the A-Rct was shortened by 7.3 s and the FT was shortened by 5.5 s with the significant differences (χ2=24.6, 24.9; P＜0.01). After intravenous thrombolytic therapy, the visual acuity was ranged from light sensation to 0.6, with the average of 0.08±0.011. There were 1 eye with vision of light perception (4.17%), 8 eyes with hand movement/20 cm (33.33%), 11 eyes with 0.02 - 0.05 (45.83%), 2 eyes with 0.1 - 0.2 (8.33%), 1 eye with 0.5 (4.17%) and 1 eye with 0.6 (4.17%). The visual acuity was improved in 19 eyes (79.17%). The difference of visual acuity before and after intravenous thrombolytic therapy was significant (χ2=7.99, P＜0.05). There was no local and systemic adverse effects during and after treatment. Conclusion Intravenous thrombolytic therapy for CRAO with poor effect after the treatment of arterial thrombolytic therapy can further improve the circulation of retinal artery and visual acuity.
Objective To observe the pathological changes of branch retinal artery occlusion (BRAO) by optical coherence tomography (OCT). Methods Twenty-six eyes of 26 patients with BRAO diagnosed in our Center from December 2002 to June 2005 were examined by OCT. The intervals of disease onsets and OCT examinations in all patients were within 2 weeks. The OCT scan modes were horizontal or vertical lines, and the locations of OCT scanning were macular area and the posterior pole of retina. The retinal thicknesses of macular foveola were measured and the macular thicknesses in different obstructive locations were compared using ANOVA analysis. The correlations of visual acuity and retinal thickness were analyzed by Pearson correlation analysis. Results Among the 26 eyes with BRAO, 9 eyes with temporosuperior artery occlusion, 8 eyes with temporoinferior artery occlusion, 7 eyes with arteriole occlusion and 2 eyes with retinal ciliary artery occlusion were observed. The pathological characteristics of OCT images of BRAO were increased retinal thickness and reflectivity in the obstructive locations, and widened dark area of photoreceptors (edema), while there was no obvious foveal edema were observed. The retinal images in other locations were normal. The average macular foveal thickness in the groups of temporosuperior artery occlusion, temporoinferior artery occlusion and retina arteriole occlusion were (161.11plusmn;17.66) mu;m, (148.38plusmn;18.48) mu;m and (136.29plusmn;14.94) mu;m, respectively (F=4.137,P=0.031,Pgt;0.01). There was no correlation of visual acuity with retinal thickness in 24 eyes (r＝0.285，P＝0.176，Pgt;0.01). Conclusion OCT could display the pathological changes of retinal tissue of BRAO in vivo. The increases of macular foveal thicknesses in BRAO eyes are not so obvious, and no correlations could be seen between visual acuity and macular foveal thickness. OCT is indicated on the old patients and the patients with systemic diseases for whom FFA is contraindicated. The unique characteristics of pathological changes of BRAO indicated by OCT images supply the objective signs for the instant clinical diagnosis. (Chin J Ocul Fundus Dis, 2007, 23: 173-176)
ObjectiveTo observe the effect of interventional thrombolytic therapy for central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) with ipsilateral internal carotid artery occlusion via supratrochlear artery retrogradely or external carotid artery anterogradely.MethodsNine CRAO patients (9 eyes) were enrolled in this study, including 5 males and 4 females. The mean age was (45.2±18.1) years. The mean onset duration was 24 hours. There were 4 eyes with vision of no light perception, 3 eyes with light perception and 2 eyes with hand movement. Fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA) examination showed that the retinal artery was filled with delayed fluorescence. The peak of fluorescence was seen in the anterior part of the artery, and some of the eyes showed retrograde filling. The arm-retinal circulation time (A-Rct) was ≥35 s in 4 eyes, ≥35 s - ＜25 s in 5 eyes. The filling time of retinal artery and its branches (FT) was ≥15 s in 2 eyes, ≥12 s - ＜15 s in 3 eyes, ≥9 s - ＜12 s in 4 eyes. All the patients received the treatment of interventional thrombolytic therapy via supratrochlear artery retrogradely (8 eyes) or external carotid artery anterogradely (1 eye) according to the indications and contraindications of thrombolytic therapy in acute cerebral infraction patients. Urokinase (0.4 million U in total) was intermittently injected into the arteries. After artery thrombolysis, the changes of digital subtraction angiography (DSA), filling time of retinal artery and its branches on FFA within 24 hours and the visual acuity were observed. According to the A-Rct and FT on FFA, the therapeutic effects on retinal circulation were defined as effective markedly (A-Rct≤15 s, FT≤2 s) , effective (A-Rct was improved but in the range of 16 - 20 s, FT was in 3 - 8 s) and no effect (A-Rct was improved but ≥21 s, FT≥9 s). The related local or systemic complications were recorded.ResultsAfter the injection of urokinase into the catheter, the ophthalmic artery and its branches were increased in 6 eyes (66.7%), and the development of the eye ring was significantly more than that of the eyes before thrombolysis. The circulation time in ophthalmic artery was speeded up for 2 s before thrombolysis in 3 eyes, 3 s in 3 eyes, and 4 s in 2 eyes. Within 24 hours after thrombolysis treatment, the A-Rct was significantly decreased than that of before interventional therapy. The retinal circulation was effective markedly in 4 eyes (44.4%), effective in 4 eyes (44.4%) and no effect in 1 eyes (11.2%) . The vision was improved 3 lines in 4 eyes (44.4%), 2 lines in 3 eyes (33.3%), 1 line in 1 eye (11.2%) and no change in 1 eye (11.2%). There were no abnormal eye movements, vitreous hemorrhage and incision hematoma, intracranial hemorrhage, cerebral embolism, and other local and systemic adverse effectives during the follow-up.ConclusionsThe interventional thrombolytic therapy via supratrochlear artery retrogradely or external carotid artery anterogradely for CRAO with the ipsilateral internal carotid artery occlusion can improve retinal circulation and vision. There are no related local or systemic complications.
ObjectiveTo investigate the therapeutic effects of thrombolysis infusion via microcatheter on the treatment of central retinal artery occlusion(CRAO). MethodsUrokinase (UK) was directly infused via ophthalmic artery (OA) by microcatheter (6 patients) or via intravenous (7 patients) to dissolve the thrombus. The patency of the artery was evaluated by fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA), and the effect of fibrinolytic activity on the systemic changes was observed by blood biochemical examination simultaneously. ResultsIn 6 patients in the microcatheter group, 5 had completely and 1 had partly reopened OA on the morrow of UK infusion with the patency rate of 83.33%, while in 7 patients in vein group, 3 completely reopened, 2 partly reopened and 2 obstructed OA were found with the patency rate of 42.86%. The difference between the two groups was significant. No obvious change of index of blood coagulation system was found in catheter group, which had great disparity compared with the vein group.ConclusionUrokinase infusion via microcatheter in CRAO has better therapeutic impact and smaller effect on systemic action. (Chin J Ocul Fundus Dis, 2005,21:16-19)
ObjectiveTo observe the clinical and imaging features of patients with retinal vein occlusion (RVO) complicated with retinal artery occlusion (RAO). MethodsA retrospective clinical study. Fifteen patients with 15 eyes with RVO combined with RAO and macular edema diagnosed by ophthalmology examination in the Department of Ophthalmology, First People's Hospital of Xianyang City during 2 years from February 1, 2022 to January 31, 2024 were included in the study. Branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) combined with branch retinal artery occlusion (BRAO) occurred in 3 cases and 3 eyes. Central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) complicated with central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) in 12 eyes. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure, scanning laser ophthalmoscope, optical coherence tomography (OCT), fluorescein fundus angiography (FFA) and serum homocysteine were all performed. OCT angiography (OCTA) was performed in 6 eyes. All eyes were treated with intravitreal injection of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor drugs. After the initial 1 treatment, dosage was assessed as needed. Follow-up was performed every month for 12 months after treatment. FFA inspection was performed at 3 months. During follow-up, it was found that there were no perfusion areas of capillaries, and retinal laser photocoagulation therapy was given in time. Fundus manifestations, FFA, OCT, OCTA characteristics and causes of disease were analyzed retrospectively. ResultsThere were 15 eyes in 15 cases, 9 eyes in 9 males; 6 women with 6 eyes. Age was (61.0±9.7) years. All complained of painless vision loss in one eye. All eyes were positive for relative afferent pupillary disorder. Contralateral congenital optic disc defect was in 1 case; hypertension was in 6 cases; hyperhomocysteinemia was in 2 cases; cerebral infarction was in 3 cases; coronary heart disease was in 1 case. CRVO combined with CRAO was in 12 eyes BCVA light sensitivity-0.25. The BCVA of BRVO combined with BRAO were 0.1, 0.4 and 0.25, respectively. All the patients had retinal edema in the posterior pole of the eye, venous sinuous, dilated, thin arteries and stiff shape. The retina presents with flaky or flame-like bleeding. Posterior polar retinal lint patch was in 13 eyes. In 12 eyes with CRVO combined with CRAO, optic disc edema was observed and the boundary was not clear. In 3 eyes with BRVO combined with BRAO, no obvious abnormality was found in the optic disc, and the boundary was clear. FFA examination showed no or prolonged arterial filling, delayed retinal vein laminar flow, relatively slow or even no capillary filling, macular arteriole atretosis to varying degrees, arch ring structure destruction, optic disc telangiectasia and fluorescein leakage. OCT examination showed that the middle and inner layers of the retina were thickened to varying degrees, the diffuse reflex was enhanced, the interlayer structure was unclear, and the reflex of the lower retinal tissue was weakened. The blood flow density of superficial capillary plexus and deep capillary plexus (DCP) decreased in 6 eyes undergoing OCTA examination. Decreased or interrupted blood flow in the vascular bed of DCP. During the follow-up period, there were 13 eyes with no perfusion area of retinal capillary. The time of occurrence was (1.14±0.95) (0-2) months, and the area was 10-75 disc area. Optic nerve atrophy occurred in 5 eyes. At the last follow-up, visual acuity increased, unchanged and decreased in 12, 2 and 1 eyes, respectively. ConclusionsThe pathogenesis of RVO-RAO is complicated. Most RVO and RAO occurred simultaneously, and a few RVO occurred several days after RAO. Although the RAO manifestations are not typical, the radiographic features are both RVO and RAO. Compared with BVRO combined with BRAO, the prognosis of visual acuity in CRAO patients with CRVO is worse.
ObjectiveTo investigate the clinical characteristics of vascular neuro-ophthalmology in patients with central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO). MethodsA single-center, prospective clinical study. From January 2018 to December 2020, 49 eyes of 49 CRAO patients of The Neuro-ophthalmology Department of Xi'an First Hospital were included in the study. Data on patient demographic characteristics, vascular risk factors, disease characteristics, digital subtraction angiography (DSA) imaging characteristics of internal carotid arteries, treatment, treatment-related adverse events, and 1-month follow-up vascular events were collected. All patiens were examined by visual acuity, head CT and or magnetic resonance imaging. At the same time, 35 cases of internal carotid artery vascular DSA were examined; 14 cases of head and neck CT angiography were examined. The anatomical variation of the extracranial segment of the internal carotid artery was divided into tortuous, tortuous, and coiled; the aortic arch was divided into type Ⅰ, type Ⅱ, type Ⅲ, and bovine type. Intravenous thrombolysis, arterial thrombolysis, conservative treatment were performed. The follow-up time was 1 month after treatment. Functional vision was defined as vision ≥20/100. Vascular events were strokes, cardiovascular events, deaths and neovascular glaucoma during follow-up. ResultsAmong 49 eyes of 49 cases, 40 eyes were male (81.6%, 40/49), and 9 eyes were female (18.4%, 9/49); the average age was 60.7±12.9 years. There were 33, 17, and 16 cases with hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and cerebrovascular disease, respectively; 27 and 34 cases had a history of smoking and tooth loss, respectively. Taking antihypertensive, hypoglycemic, antiplatelet aggregation/anticoagulation, and hypolipidemic drugs were 15, 5, 8, and 5 patients, respectively. There were 11 cases of transient amaurosis before the onset, and 17 cases of CRAO after waking up. There were 33 cases (67.3%, 33/49) with infarction of the affected side of the brain tissue. DSA was performed in 35 cases, and the stenosis rate of the internal carotid artery on the affected side was 70%-99% and 100% were 3 (8.6%, 3/35) and 4 (11.4%, 4/35) cases, respectively. The ophthalmic artery on the affected side originated from the external carotid artery in 5 cases (14.3%, 5/35). There were 17 (54.8%, 17/31) and 2 (6.5%, 2/31) cases of tortuousity and kinking in the extracranial segment of the internal carotid artery. There were 15 (42.9%, 15/35), 6 (17.1%, 6/35), and 2 (5.7%, 2/35) cases of aortic arch type Ⅱ, type Ⅲ, and bovine type, respectively. Intravenous thrombolysis and arterial thrombolysis were performed in 13 and 29 cases, respectively. Complications occurred in 2 cases during treatment; 3 cases of symptoms fluctuated after treatment, and 10 cases of asymptomatic new infarcts occurred in imaging studies. Forty-eight cases were treated with antiplatelet aggregation/anticoagulation and hypolipidemic treatment. At discharge and 1 month after treatment, the recovery of functional vision was 7 and 17 cases, respectively. One month after treatment, 1 case died because myocardial infarction; 2 cases of neovascular glaucoma occurred. ConclusionThe proportion of CRAO patients with vascular risk factors and internal carotid artery abnormalities on the affected side is relatively high; the prognosis is relatively good after intravenous thrombolysis and/or arterial thrombolysis and secondary stroke prevention.