Nationwide Incidence and Trends in Central Retinal Arterial Occlusion Management: A 5000-Patient Analysis.

Central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) is a rare and visually debilitating vascular condition characterized by sudden and severe vision loss. CRAO is a compelling target for intravenous alteplase (tPA) and endovascular mechanical thrombectomy (MT) due to pathophysiological similarities with acute ischemic stroke; however, the utility of these interventions in CRAO remains dubious due to limited sample sizes and potential risks. To assess usage and outcomes of tPA and MT in CRAO, we queried the National Inpatient Sample database using International Classification of Disease, Ninth and Tenth edition for patients with CRAO and acute ischemic stroke between 2010 and 2019. Our cohort of 5009 CRAO patients were younger with higher rates of obesity, hypertension, long-term anticoagulant use, and tobacco use compared to acute ischemic stroke patients. CRAO patients had lower rates of tPA administration (3.41% vs 6.21%) and endovascular MT (0.38% vs 1.31%) but fewer complications, including deep vein thrombosis, pneumonia, urinary tract infection, acute kidney injury, and acute myocardial infarction (all P < 0.01). CRAO patients had lower rates of poor functional outcome (31.74% vs 58.1%) and in-hospital mortality (1.2% vs 5.64%), but higher rates of profound blindness (9.24% vs 0.58%). A multivariate regression showed no relationship between tPA and MT and profound blindness, although the limited sample size of patients receiving interventions may have contributed to this apparent insignificance. Further investigation of larger patient cohorts and alternative treatment modalities could provide valuable insights for revascularization therapies in CRAO to optimize visual restoration and clinical outcomes.

Exploring Superselective Intraarterial Thrombolysis for Autologous Fat Injection-Induced Vision Loss.

BACKGROUND: Intravascular injection represents the most severe complication in fat transplantation procedures. Currently, the prognosis for patients who suffer from blindness due to fat transplantation-induced ocular vascular occlusion is far from optimistic. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to explore and evaluate the efficacy and safety of arterial thrombolysis in the treatment of ocular vascular occlusion caused by fat transplantation. METHODS: We analyzed the data of 12 patients who underwent intraarterial thrombolysis and conservative treatments for facial autologous fat grafting-associated ocular vascular occlusion. Among the cases, there were 6 instances of ophthalmic artery embolism and 6 cases of central retinal artery occlusion. All patients suffered with sudden blindness, sometimes accompanied by eye pain, ptosis, strabismus, skin necrosis at the injection site, or cerebral microinfarction. They received symptomatic conservative treatments and intraarterial thrombolysis, encompassing mechanical vessel recanalization, vessel dilation, and dissolution of thrombus constituents. RESULTS: Following intraarterial thrombolysis, a noteworthy improvement in the blood flow of both the main trunk and peripheral branches of the ophthalmic artery was observed in the majority of patients when contrasted with their pretreatment status. One patient experienced a headache intraoperatively, while no significant discomfort was reported by the remaining patients. After conservative treatments and intraarterial thrombolysis, all patients experienced improvement in ocular symptoms, skin necrosis, and cerebral infarction. Three patients demonstrated improvement in visual acuity. These patients had surpassed the recommended time window for treatment, yet the occlusion of the ophthalmic artery was not complete. CONCLUSIONS: Intraarterial thrombolysis combined with conservative treatments achieves early perfusion and is expected to promote visual recovery. Hospitals that possess the necessary treatment capabilities are encouraged to establish this therapeutic pathway.

Treatments for Acute Nonarteritic Central Retinal Artery Occlusion: Findings From a Cochrane Systematic Review.

Many interventions for nonarteritic central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) are associated with serious complications and little effect on visual outcomes. We report on the findings of a Cochrane systematic review that searched seven databases for peer-reviewed articles reporting on treatments for acute nonarteritic CRAO. We assessed six randomized controlled trials, including interventions such as tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA), isovolumic hemodilution, eyeball massage, intraocular pressure reduction, anticoagulation, vasodilation, oxygen inhalation, laser embolysis, transcorneal electrical stimulation, thrombolysis, pentoxifylline, and enhanced external counterpulsation. However, none of the randomized controlled trials demonstrated significant improvement in visual acuity at 1 month compared to observation, and some patients treated with t-PA experienced serious adverse effects including intracranial hemorrhage. Proposed interventions for acute nonarteritic CRAO may not be better than observation, but the evidence is uncertain. Larger, well-designed studies are necessary to determine the most effective management option for acute nonarteritic CRAO. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina 2023;54:650-653.].

Outcomes of hyperbaric oxygen treatment for central and branch retinal artery occlusion at a major Australian referral hospital.

Introduction: This study analysed the treatment outcomes of patients that received hyperbaric oxygen treatment (HBOT) for retinal artery occlusion (RAO) at the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital in Brisbane, Australia between 2015 and 2021. Methods: Retrospective study from patient records including 22 eyes from 22 patients that received HBOT for either central RAO (17 patients) or branch RAO (five patients). Patients received the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital RAO protocol for their HBOT. Analysis included best corrected visual acuity pre- and post-treatment, subjective improvements, side effects and patient risk factors were also recorded. Results: Improvement in best corrected visual acuity was LogMAR -0.2 for central RAO on average with 8/17 (47%) experiencing objective improvement, 5/17 (29%) experienced no change and 4/22 (24%) experienced a reduction in best corrected visual acuity. Subjective improvement (colour perception or visual fields) was reported in an additional 4/17 patients, resulting in 12/17 (71%) reporting improvement either in visual acuity or subjectively. There was no improvement in the best corrected visual acuity of any of the five patients suffering from branch RAO. Cardiovascular risk factors present in the cohort included hypertension, hypercholesterolaemia, previous cardiovascular events, cardiac disease and smoking. Limited side effects were experienced by this patient cohort with no recorded irreversible side effects. Conclusions: Hyperbaric oxygen treatment appears a safe, beneficial treatment for central RAO. No benefit was demonstrated in branch RAO although numbers were small. Increased awareness of HBOT for RAO resulting in streamlined referrals and transfers and greater uptake of this intervention may further improve patient outcomes.

Progress in central retinal artery occlusion: a narrative review.

Central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) is a catastrophic ophthalmic emergency that severely impairs a patient's visual function, often reducing visual acuity to counting fingers or worse. Progress in CRAO research has provided new information regarding its epidemiological characteristics and led to useful assessments through various ophthalmic examinations. Additional insights about CRAO have been gained through studies of its pathophysiological mechanisms, improving intervention timing and enhancing patient prognosis. Treatment for CRAO has evolved, particularly with assistance from surgical instruments and surgical robots. Although surgical treatment is now possible, this option is not widely recognized by ophthalmologists. Conservative therapies have limited benefits compared with the natural course of disease. Recently, pars plana vitrectomy plus endovascular surgery has received considerable interest among ophthalmologists because of its potential efficacy in the treatment of CRAO. Considering the inconsistencies in rationale and efficacy of CRAO treatment modalities, it is important to distinguish between treatment effects and the natural courses of various CRAO subclasses. This narrative review explores progress in CRAO epidemiology, pathophysiology, ophthalmic examination, and treatment.

Management of Central Retinal Artery Occlusion: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association.

PURPOSE: Central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) is a form of acute ischemic stroke that causes severe visual loss and is a harbinger of further cerebrovascular and cardiovascular events. There is a paucity of scientific information on the appropriate management of CRAO, with most strategies based on observational literature and expert opinion. In this scientific statement, we critically appraise the literature on CRAO and provide a framework within which to consider acute treatment and secondary prevention. METHODS: We performed a literature review of randomized controlled clinical trials, prospective and retrospective cohort studies, case-control studies, case reports, clinical guidelines, review articles, basic science articles, and editorials concerning the management of CRAO. We assembled a panel comprising experts in the fields of vascular neurology, neuro-ophthalmology, vitreo-retinal surgery, immunology, endovascular neurosurgery, and cardiology, and document sections were divided among the writing group members. Each member received an assignment to perform a literature review, synthesize the data, and offer considerations for practice. Multiple drafts were circulated among the group until consensus was achieved. RESULTS: Acute CRAO is a medical emergency. Systems of care should evolve to prioritize early recognition and triage of CRAO to emergency medical attention. There is considerable variability in management patterns among practitioners, institutions, and subspecialty groups. The current literature suggests that treatment with intravenous tissue plasminogen activator may be effective. Patients should undergo urgent screening and treatment of vascular risk factors. There is a need for high-quality, randomized clinical trials in this field.

Central retinal artery occlusion and central retinal vein occlusion in contralateral eye / Oclusão da artéria central da retina com oclusão da veia central em olho contralateral

ABSTRACT The case of a 55-year-old male who presented central retinal vein occlusion with marked macular ischemia in left eye is reported. Despite the intervention with sustained-release dexamethasone polymer injection and other clinical measures, the visual acuity was severely reduced in left eye. After 8 months, he returned to the emergency with acute visual loss of 2 hours of progression in right eye due to a central retinal artery occlusion, sparing only the territory of the cilioretinal artery. Patient underwent clinical maneuvers with anterior chamber paracentesis and intravenous injection of tissue plasminogen activator. Fluorescein angiography immediately after the procedures showed recanalization, but despite arterial vasodilation, no complete recanalization was observed after 24 hours. The patient developed retinal atrophy.

RESUMO Apresenta-se o caso de um paciente do sexo masculino, de 55 anos, com oclusão de veia central retiniana com acentuada isquemia macular em olho esquerdo. Apesar da intervenção com injeção de polímero de liberação lenta de dexametasona e outras medidas clínicas tomadas, ele evoluiu com severa baixa da acuidade visual em olho esquerdo. Após 8 meses, retornou à emergência com perda visual aguda de 2 horas de evolução em olho direito devido à oclusão de artéria central retiniana, poupando apenas o território da artéria ciliorretiniana. O paciente foi submetido a manobras clínicas, com paracentese de câmara anterior e injeção endovenosa de ativador do plasminogênio tecidual. A angiografia fluoresceínica imediatamente após as manobras mostrou recanalização, porém, a despeito do vasodilatador arterial, não foi observada completa recanalização com 24 horas. O paciente evoluiu com atrofia retiniana.

Branch retinal artery occlusion in a patient undergoing Methotrexate therapy for ectopic pregnancy: A case report.

Methotrexate is a commonly used agent in the treatment of an un-ruptured ectopic pregnancy. Thromboembolic events are rarely seen side effects of such a medicine. We report the case of the 22-year-old woman who underwent Methotrexate therapy for an un-ruptured ectopic pregnancy without any history of thromboembolic risk factors. A second dose (50 mg/m2) was administered to the patient showing a nondecreasing pattern of ß-HCG levels after an initial standard dosage of Methotrexate (50 mg/m2). On the 12th day of the treatment, a sudden onset of painless vision loss was seen in the right eye. Fundal imaging and fluorescein angiography revealed an occlusion of the superior temporal branch of the right retinal artery. After a month of hyperbaric oxygen therapy, complete recovery without loss of vision was achieved.

Characteristics and Outcomes of Retinal Artery Occlusion: Nationally Representative Data.

Background and Purpose- There are few large studies examining comorbidities, outcomes, and acute interventions for patients with retinal artery occlusion (RAO). RAO shares pathophysiology with acute ischemic stroke (AIS); direct comparison may inform emergent treatment, evaluation, and secondary prevention. Methods- The National Readmissions Database contains data on ≈50% of US hospitalizations from 2013 to 2015. We used International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, codes to identify and compare index RAO and AIS admissions, comorbidities, and interventions and Clinical Comorbidity Software codes to identify readmissions causes, using survey-weighted methods when possible. Cumulative risk of all-cause readmission after RAO ≤1 year was estimated by Kaplan-Meier analysis. Results- Among 4871 RAO and 1 239 963 AIS admissions, patients with RAO were less likely (P<0.0001) than patients with AIS to have diabetes mellitus (RAO, 24.3% versus AIS, 36.8%), congestive heart failure (9.1% versus 14.8%), atrial fibrillation (15.5% versus 25.2%), or hypertension (62.2% versus 67.6%) but more likely to have valvular disease (13.3% versus 10.5%) and tobacco usage (38.6% versus 32.9%). In RAO admissions, thrombolysis was administered in 2.9% (5.8% in central RAO subgroup, versus 8.0% of AIS), therapeutic anterior chamber paracentesis in 1.0%, thrombectomy in none; 1.4% received carotid endarterectomy during index admission, 1.6% within 30 days. Nearly 1 in 10 patients with RAO were readmitted within 30 days and were more than twice as likely as patients with AIS to be readmitted for dysrhythmia or endocarditis. Readmission for stroke after RAO was the highest within the first 150 days after index admission, and risk was higher in central RAO than in branch RAO. Conclusions- Patients with RAO had high prevalence of many stroke risk factors, particularly valvular disease and smoking, which can be addressed to minimize subsequent risk. Despite less baseline atrial fibrillation, RAO patients were more likely to be readmitted for atrial fibrillation/dysrhythmias. A variety of interventions was administered. AIS risk is the highest shortly after RAO, emphasizing the importance of urgent, thorough neurovascular evaluation.

Transient Retinal Artery Occlusion After Uncomplicated Rhinoplasty.

PURPOSE: Loss of vision is an extremely rare and unexpected complication following a routine uncomplicated nasal surgery. In majority of patients, visual loss has attributed to retinal emboli which occur with retrograde flow of the intra-arterially injected agents into the nasal cavity or direct trauma to the optic nerve. In this report, the authors present a patient with unilateral decreased vision due to branch retinal artery occlusion soon after a routine nasal surgery. METHODS: Clinical report. RESULT: A 32-year-old female patient admitted to the author' clinic with the complaints of decreased visual acuity in the left eye. She stated that she had undergone rhinoplasty operation 1 week ago and vision loss started immediately after the surgery.In the ophthalmological examination, the best corrected visual acuity with Snellen chart was 1.0 in the right eye and 0.3 in the left eye. In the fundoscopic examination of left eye there was a pale area in the inferior part of the macula. Fundus fluorescein angiography showed no evidence of nonperfusion in the right and left eyes and vascular structure was normal. On the optic coherence tomography, hyperreflectivity and increased thickness were observed in the inner retinal layers of the left eye. In the visual field test, there was a loss of the visual field which corresponds to the pale area on the left eye. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy was recommended. The ophthalmologic examination carried out 2 months later revealed a best corrected visual acuity of the left eye 0.9. In the fundoscopy pale area was regressed in the left eye. Fundus fluorescein angiography showed a good perfusion. There was a little progression in the visual field test. CONCLUSION: Direct mechanical trauma and vasoplastic/embolic vascular events are thought to be possible mechanisms. The authors think in this case, there was a retrograde flow of agents used during the surgery through ophthalmic artery to retinal arteries and vasospasm by epinephrin worsened the situation. Although rare retinal artery occlusion may develop after rhinoplasty, vision loss as a result of a surgery, if done for aesthetic purposes is not acceptable.

A 23-Year-Old Woman with Sudden-Onset Blindness of the Right Eye.

A 23-year-woman was presented for sudden-onset monocular blindness. Branch retinal artery occlusion in the right eye and multiple brain embolism were detected. Trousseau syndrome due to bilateral ovarian cancer was diagnosed; no embolic events were observed after anticoagulant therapy and surgical resection.

Is Management of Central Retinal Artery Occlusion the Next Frontier in Cerebrovascular Diseases?

Central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) is a medical emergency that, if not treated, may result in irreversible loss of vision. It continues to be an important cause for acute painless loss of vision. Amaurosis fugax or "transient CRAO" has long been considered an equivalent of transient cerebral ischemic event. Animal models, in addition to data from retrospective and randomized clinical studies, provide valuable insights into the time interval for irreversible retinal ischemia. Subset analyses from 2 large studies of patients with CRAO show benefit from treatment with thrombolysis within 6 hours from symptoms onset. Significant workflow improvements after the intra-arterial therapy trials for acute ischemic stroke have occurred world over in last 5 years. Patients with CRAO are uniquely suited to receive maximum benefits from the changes in workflow for treatment of patient's acute ischemic stroke. Just as in clinical triage of acute ischemic stroke, correct and timely diagnosis of patients with CRAO may help in preventing visual loss. The approach to acute ocular ischemia should mimic that used for acute brain ischemia. Comprehensive stroke centers would be ideal triage centers for these patients in view of availability of multidisciplinary participation from vascular neurology, neuroendovascular surgery, and ophthalmology. Time is Retina!

Trombolisis intrarterial en la oclusión de la arteria central de la retina / Intra-arterial thrombolysis in central retinal artery occlusion

La oclusión de la arteria central de la retina es considerada una urgencia oftalmológica con mal pronóstico visual, a pesar de los métodos convencionales de tratamiento. Los recientes avances en neurorradiología permiten realizar un cateterismo selectivo en la arteria oftálmica e inyectar un agente fibrinolítico cerca del lugar de la obstrucción. Esta intervención podría ser efectiva en ciertos tipos de oclusiones y se han obtenido resultados prometedores en pacientes con oclusiones de la arteria central de la retina. Se realizaron búsquedas en diferentes publicaciones relacionadas con la especialidad en los últimos 10 años en bases de datos de revistas líderes de Oftalmología, con el objetivo de mostrar la trombolisis intrarterial como opción de tratamiento para la oclusión de la arteria central de la retina. La baja incidencia de esta enfermedad, además de que los pacientes acuden a consulta con frecuencia fuera del periodo de ventana, son justificantes por las que no se recogen respuestas definitivas, lo que se suma a la heterogenicidad de tratamiento coadyuvante empleado en los diferentes centros y al uso de fibrinolíticos y de dosis variados. Se requieren ensayos clínicos aleatorizados que permitan determinar su superioridad frente a las medidas convencionales, el grado de beneficio en contraposición al riesgo de eventos adversos y el tipo de pacientes que son candidatos a esta medida terapéutica que se avecina de manera prometedora para mejorar el pronóstico visual de estos pacientes(AU)

The occlusion of the retina central artery is considered an ophthalmological emergency with poor visual prognosis, despite conventional treatment methods. Recent advances in neuroradiology allow a selective catheterization in the ophthalmic artery and inject a fibrinolytic agent near the site of the obstruction. This intervention could be effective in certain types of occlusions and promising results have been obtained in patients with Central Retina Artery occlusions. We searched different publications related to the specialty, using the database of leading journals of ophthalmology, in the last 10 years; with the objective of showing intra-arterial thrombolysis as an option of treatment for the Retinal Central Artery Occlusion. The low incidence of this disease, together with the fact that patients frequently visit outside the window period, are justifying why no definitive answers are collected, which adds to the heterogeneity of coadjutant treatment used in the different centers, controversial window period and use of fibrinolytics and varied doses. Randomized clinical trials are required to determine its superiority to conventional measures, the degree of benefit as opposed to the risk of adverse events and the type of patients that are candidates for this therapeutic approach that is promising to improve the visual prognosis of these patients(AU)

Intra-retinal Arterial Cannulation using a Microneedle for Central Retinal Artery Occlusion.

Central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) is a severe disease, often causing blindness. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of a surgical procedure for the treatment of acute CRAO in which retinal arterial cannulation with tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) is performed. The surgical procedure consisted of vitrectomy followed by cannulation of the central retinal artery and injection of tPA (200 µg) using a 47-gauge microneedle. Thirteen CRAO patients were treated within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms. The central retinal artery of all 13 eyes was successfully cannulated. The mean interval between the onset of symptoms and surgery was 38.7 hours. The results for all 13 eyes treated showed a statistically significant improvement in mean visual acuity between before and one month after treatment (-1.60 vs. -0.82 logarithmic values for minimum angle resolution (LogMAR), p = 0.0021). Fluorescein angiography showed complete reperfusion and incomplete reperfusion in 10 eyes and 3 eyes, respectively. Recently developed surgical instruments have made retinal-arterial cannulation feasible. Intra-retinal-arterial cannulation has potential as a method of improving visual function and microcirculation in eyes affected by CRAO.

Rescue vitrectomy with blocked artery massage and bloodletting for branch retinal artery occlusion.

A 61-year-old male suffered from sudden blurred vision and superior visual field defect oculus dexter. His vision was counting fingers at 20 cm. Fundoscopy demonstrated inferior pale retina and a large embolus located at the proximal inferior retinal artery. Branch retinal artery occlusion (BRAO) was diagnosed. Initial paracentesis, topical brimonidine tartrate, oral pentoxifylline, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy were performed but showed limited improvement. Hence, he received 25-gauge vitrectomy, artificial posterior vitreous detachment, blocked retinal artery massage, and bloodletting 5 days after onset. After the surgery, his vision improved to 20/25. Fundoscopy showed reperfused retina, and optical coherence tomography revealed resolved retinal edema. RAO is an ophthalmological emergency; however, no standard guideline is available. Vitrectomy with blocked retinal artery massage and bloodletting showed favorable results in this case of BRAO with a large embolus. More prospective clinical trials are needed for setting up the standard treatment.

Combined branch retinal vein and branch retinal artery occlusion - clinical features, systemic associations, and outcomes.

PURPOSE: Retinal vascular occlusions affecting both the arterial and venous systems are rare events. Combined branch retinal artery (BRAO) and vein (BRVO) occlusion are exceedingly rare and not well characterized. METHODS: Six patients with combined BRAO and BRVO underwent a comprehensive eye examination, fundus fluorescein angiography, optical coherence tomography, and cardiovascular evaluation. RESULTS: Mean age at presentation was 54 ± 7.8 years (range: 39-60), and five of the six were men. Patients had a combination of systemic comorbidities such as diabetes (5), hypertension (4), dyslipidemia (5), and hyperhomocysteinemia (1). All had unilateral combined occlusion characterized by narrowing and cattle tracking of blood in arteries and dilated tortuous veins in the involved quadrant. Fluorescein angiography demonstrated complete capillary drop out and a clear demarcation between the perfused and nonperfused retina. Presenting vision ranged from 6/9 to 1/60 Snellen's, and final vision depended on the macular perfusion status. All eyes were treated with angiography-guided sectoral laser photocoagulation, and three eyes required intravitreal bevacizumab due to macular edema or retinal neovascularization. CONCLUSIONS: Combined BRAO and BRVO is rare, may have unique underlying pathogenetic mechanisms, is associated with multiple systemic comorbidities and can yield good visual outcome if macula remains well perfused.

Dermal fillers: pathophysiology, prevention and treatment of complications.

Dermal fillers are increasingly used for soft tissue augmentation of the face and hands. The widespread use of dermal fillers for rejuvenation has led to a rise in reports of associated complications. Although the majority of complications are mild and transient, serious and long-lasting complications have been observed. This article discusses the key complications including pigmentary changes, hypersensitivity reactions, infections, nodule formation, granulomatous reactions, vascular occlusion and migration of filler material. A thorough literature review was performed in addition to the combined extensive authors' (GP and FA) experience. Complications from fillers are increasingly being recognized and highlighted in the literature partly reflecting the growth in the market. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the filler complications with mechanisms of prevention and treatment per complication. A thorough understanding of the preventative and management strategies for the associated dermal filler complications will help the physician to prepare the patient well, and deal with complications that may arise effectively.