Hypertensive Retinochoroidopathy

Question 1

What is hypertensive retinochroidopathy

Answer 1

Retinal manifestations caused by systemic HTN
*HTN accelerates atherosclerosis and will affect retina

Question 2

What are the signs of hypertensive retinochoroidopathy

Answer 2

Will vary degree and rapidity of rise in BP
1. Asymptomatic
2. Changes in vision

Question 3

What will be found on the PE

Answer 3

1. Cooper / silver wire changes
2. Arteriolar narrowing
3. AV nicking
4. AV tapering, banking
5. Soft or hard exudates
6. Optic disk swelling / cupping

Question 4

What are the four grades of hypertensive retinochoroidopathy

Answer 4

1: copper wiring, silver wiring
2. AV nicking
*artery is seen crossing a vein that results compresses it vein with bulging on either side (increase arterial pressure)
3. Flame shaped hemorrhages, cotton wool spots
4. Papilledema
*malignant HTN

Question 5

What is the treatment

Answer 5

Control blood pressure
1. Patient education on long-term complicate
2. Home BP monitoring
3. Lifestyle changes
4. Visits every 3-6 months

Question 6

What is the prognosis of hypertensive retinochoroidopathy

Answer 6

Blindness
1. Multiple retinal signs = poorer prognosis
*narrowing of arterial diameter compared to venous
*exudates, hemorrhages, papilledema