RETINAL VASCULAR DISEASES
Central Retinal Artery Occlusion
Acute central retinal artery occlusion causes sudden painless visual loss occurring over several
seconds.
In the acute stage, the retina in the posterior pole loses its transparency and acquires a whitish
appearance. A cherry red spot is present in the region of the foveola.
The pathophysiologic process responsible for a central retinal artery obstruction can include
The following:
- Circulatory collapse
- Dissecting aneurysm
- Emboli
- Hemorrhage under an atherosclerotic plaque
- Hypertensive arterial necrosis
- Intraluminal thrombosis
- Spasm
- Vasculitis
Associated systemic abnormalities can be found in approximately 90% of affected patients:
- Cardiac valvular...
Clinical Cases