Retinal Vascular Disease Flashcards
Hypoperfusion Syndrome was formerly known as
Venous Stasis Retinopathy
Note: this is a misnomer because the defect is in arteries not veins
Hypoperfusion Syndrome is caused by
A blockage in the carotid or ophthalmic artery
Hypoperfusion Syndrome is an early and often asymptomatic stage of
Chronic Ocular Ischemia Syndrome
With Hypoperfusion Syndrome, a patient may complain of
Dull, chronic ache (on ipsilateral side of blockage) + possible transient vision loss (amaurosis fugax)
Why might a bruit and decreased pulse be experienced in Hypoperfusion Syndrome?
Bruit — whooshing sound at site of obstruction
Blockage —> turbulent blood flow —> bruit
Pulse will be decreased downstream from obstruction
Bruits can be identified when blockage is at ___%
30-85%
What is the correct orientation of a stethoscope to identify a bruit?
Using the BELL
For definitive diagnosis of Hypoperfusion Syndrome, what test is required?
Carotid imaging
What clinical findings would you expect to see during a fundus exam in a patient with Hypoperfusion Syndrome?
- Peripheral/mid-peripheral dot blot hemes
- Dilated veins
Defects spare the posterior pole
Ocular Ischemic Syndrome is often misdiagnosed as…
Vein occlusion or Diabetic Retinopathy
What is the visual impact of a patient with Ocular Ischemic Syndrome?
50% of OIS pts Count Fingers within 1 year
Ocular Ischemic Syndrome is typically ____ (unilateral/bilateral)
Unilateral
What clinical findings might you see in Ocular Ischemic Syndrome? (7)
- NVD/NVI/NVE
- Conj congestion
- Sluggish pupils
- Iritis
5.Corneal edema - Cotton wool spots
- Elevated inflamm markers (CRP, homocysteine)
What testing is used to diagnose Ocular Ischemic Syndrome?
Carotid Doppler Ultrasound
What is the treatment for Ocular Ischemic Syndrome?
- Systemic management
- Anti-VEGF
- Treat ocular findings (e.g. Mac edema, iritis, etc)
- Surgery (endarterectomy, carotid artery sheathing)
Describe the Carotid Doppler Ultrasound and how to read the results.
- Non-invasive
- B-mode and Doppler ultrasound used
- Best detects occlusions in vessels
- PSV (Peak Systolic Velocity) and EDV (End Diastolic Velocity) is used to determine blockage
if PSV > 125, there is at least a 50% blockage
What would you expect to see on IVFA in a patient with. Ocular Ischemic Syndrome?
Delayed retinal AV time and possibly macular edema in late phase
In conjunction with the primary diagnostic test, what other tests are performed to diagnose Ocular Ischemic Syndrome?
- Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA)
- Computerized Tomographic Angiography (CTA)
- IVFA
- ESR, CRP, CBC, + Cardio Work-up
CT is more accessible, but MRA gives better view of tissue
What values are most important when reading a Carotid Doppler?
PSV (Peak Systolic Volume) and EDV (End Diastolic Velocity)
Carotid Doppler: PSV of above 125 indicates
At least 50% blockage
What is the most common inherited blood disorder in the USA?
Sickle Cell Retinopathy
What is a hemoglobinopathy?
A genetic disorder with structurally abnormal hemoglobin
T/F: Both sickle cell patients and sickle cell trait carriers exhibit resistance to malaria
TRUE