Hypertensive Retinopathy Flashcards
What is hypertensive retinopathy?
It is defined as a condition in which there is damage to small blood vessels in the retina, relating to systemic hypertension
What are the two causes of hypertensive retinopathy?
Chronic hypertension
Malignant hypertension
What classification system is used in hypertensive retinopathy?
Keith Wagener Barker Classification System
What are the four classifications of hypertensive retinopathy?
Hypertensive Retinopathy Grade One
Hypertensive Retinopathy Grade Two
Hypertensive Retinopathy Grade Three
Hypertensive Retinopathy Grade Four
What is hypertensive retinopathy grade one?
It is defined as a mild generalised constriction of the retinal arterioles
What is hypertensive retinopathy grade two?
It is defined as focal constriction of the retinal arterioles and arteriovenous nicking
What is hypertensive retinopathy grade three?
It is defined as the formation of flame-shaped haemorrhages, cotton wool spots and hard exudates
What is hypertensive retinopathy grade four?
It is is defined the formation of papilloedema
What hypertensive retinopathy does malignant hypertension result in?
Grade Four
How does hypertensive retinopathy related to chronic hypertension present?
Asymptomatic
How does hypertensive retinopathy related to malignant hypertension present?
Symptomatic
What are the tweleve clinical features of hypertensive retinopathy?
Headache
Nausea & Vomiting
Facial Flushing
Sudden Painless Vision Loss
Intermittent Blurred Vision
Visual Field Defects
Silver Wiring
Arteriovenous Nipping
Cotton Wool Spots
Hard Exudates
Retinal Haemorrhages
Papilloedema
What is silver wiring?
It is defined as an increased reflection of light
This is due to the arteriole walls becoming thickened and sclerosed
What is arteriovenous nicking?
It is defined as compression of veins by arterioles at cross-over points
This is due to sclerosis and hardening of the arterioles
What are hard exudates?
They are deposits of lipids onto the retina due to leakage of damaged vessels
