Vascular Occlusive Disease

Question 1

What is Central Retinal Artery Occlusion (CRAO)?

Answer 1

CRAO presents with sudden, profound loss of vision.

It is most frequently caused by emboli obstructing the Retinal Artery (e.g. stroke).

Occasionally it can be caused by vasculitis (e.g. giant cell arteritis)

Classical appearance is of a “cherry-red spot”. This occurs due to the intact reflex of the fovea standing out against a pale, ischaemic retina.

Question 2

What is Central Retinal Vein Occlusion (CRVO)?

Answer 2

CRVO occurs secondary to Atherosclerotic thickening of the Central Retinal Artery compressing the Central Retinal Vein at a common crossing point.

Occlusion of the vein results in retinal Hypoxia, and the resultant endothelial cell damage leads to extravasation of blood.

Fundoscopy typically reveals severe tortuosity, engorgement of retinal veins, deep haemorrhages, cotton wool spots and optic disc swelling.

Question 3

Cilioretinal Artery

Answer 3

A Retinal Arterial branch noncontiguous with the Central Retinal Artery, coursing through a near-180° hook or loop as it emerges from underneath the RPE at the rim of the Optic disc.

Question 4

Atherosclerosis

Answer 4

A disease in which plaque accumulates inside your arteries.

Arteries are blood vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood to your heart and other parts of your body.

Plaque is made up of fat, cholesterol, calcium, and other substances found in the blood.
Over time, plaque hardens and narrows your arteries.