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Daxer B, Radner W, Fischer F, Cocoșilă AL, Ettl A. Aetiology, Diagnosis and Treatment of Arterial Occlusions of the Retina-A Narrative Review. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2024; 60:526. [PMID: 38674172 PMCID: PMC11052062 DOI: 10.3390/medicina60040526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2024] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Arterial occlusions of the retina are potentially sight-threatening diseases which often result in profound visual loss. The aim of this narrative review is to provide an overview of the aetiology, discuss major risk factors, describe the management and systemic assessments and evaluate existing therapies. For this review, an extensive literature search in PubMed was performed. Emboli from the heart or the carotid arteries can cause ophthalmic artery occlusion (OAO), central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) and branch retinal artery occlusion (BRAO). Most patients with arterial occlusions have vascular risk factors such as arterial hypertension, hyperhomocysteinaemia, carotid stenosis and atrial fibrillation, which also increase the risk of cerebral stroke and myocardial infarction. Therapies such as ocular massage, thrombolysis and anterior chamber paracentesis have been suggested but are still equivocal. However, it is evident that retinal artery occlusion should be immediately treated and accompanied by interdisciplinary collaboration, since early diagnosis and the proper treatment of possible risk factors are important to reduce the risk of further damage, recurrences, other vascular diseases and mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Daxer
- Karl Landsteiner University of Health Sciences, Dr. Karl-Dorrek-Straße 30, 3500 Krems, Austria
- Department of Ophthalmology and Orbital Surgery, University Hospital St. Pölten, Dunantplatz 1, 3100 St. Pölten, Austria
| | - Wolfgang Radner
- Karl Landsteiner University of Health Sciences, Dr. Karl-Dorrek-Straße 30, 3500 Krems, Austria
- Department of Ophthalmology and Orbital Surgery, University Hospital St. Pölten, Dunantplatz 1, 3100 St. Pölten, Austria
- Austrian Academy of Ophthalmology, Mollgasse 11, 1180 Vienna, Austria
| | - Florian Fischer
- Karl Landsteiner University of Health Sciences, Dr. Karl-Dorrek-Straße 30, 3500 Krems, Austria
- Department of Ophthalmology and Orbital Surgery, University Hospital St. Pölten, Dunantplatz 1, 3100 St. Pölten, Austria
| | - Andreea-Liliana Cocoșilă
- Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, 1 Decembrie Square 10, 410068 Oradea, Romania
| | - Armin Ettl
- Karl Landsteiner University of Health Sciences, Dr. Karl-Dorrek-Straße 30, 3500 Krems, Austria
- Department of Ophthalmology and Orbital Surgery, University Hospital St. Pölten, Dunantplatz 1, 3100 St. Pölten, Austria
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Lin JC, Song SL, Ng SM, Scott IU, Greenberg PB. Treatments for Acute Nonarteritic Central Retinal Artery Occlusion: Findings From a Cochrane Systematic Review. Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina 2023; 54:650-653. [PMID: 37855834 DOI: 10.3928/23258160-20230922-01] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
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.].
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Williamson J, Sharma A, Murray-Douglass A, Peters M, Lee L, Webb R, Thistlethwaite K, Moloney TP. Outcomes of hyperbaric oxygen treatment for central and branch retinal artery occlusion at a major Australian referral hospital. Diving Hyperb Med 2023; 53:224-229. [PMID: 37718296 PMCID: PMC10735708 DOI: 10.28920/dhm53.3.224-229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy Williamson
- Department of Ophthalmology, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Anil Sharma
- Department of Ophthalmology, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Brisbane, Australia
| | | | - Matthew Peters
- Department of Ophthalmology, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Lawrence Lee
- Department of Ophthalmology, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Robert Webb
- Department of Hyperbaric Medicine, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Kenneth Thistlethwaite
- Department of Hyperbaric Medicine, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Thomas P Moloney
- Department of Ophthalmology, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Brisbane, Australia
- School of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- Corresponding author: Dr Thomas P Moloney, Department of Ophthalmology, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Brisbane, Australia,
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Daruich A, Robert MP, Zola M, Matet A, Bremond-Gignac D. Retinal stroke: research models, targets and experimental drugs. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2023; 32:755-760. [PMID: 37651742 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2023.2254688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Retinal artery occlusion (RAO), often caused by a microembolus and resulting in inner retinal ischemia, could be considered as the retinal analog to cerebral stroke. Although several therapeutic targets have been suggested in animal models of retinal ischemia and several potential treatments have been evaluated on small series of patients, central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) is still rarely treatable in clinical practice. AREAS COVERED Here, we review several animal models of RAO, including increased intraocular pressure, laser, vasoconstriction, embolization and clamp. We also review the pathogenic mechanisms that contribute to cell death cascades during ischemia, and the therapeutic strategies targeting these events. These strategies aim to restore blood flow by fibrinolysis, increase the oxygen or glucose supply, decrease the energy demands, restrict ionic leak fluxes or reduce the detrimental effects of glutamate, calcium and free radicals. The current literature suggests that tPA treatment could be effective for CRAO. EXPERT OPINION Eye care professionals must make a rapid and accurate diagnosis and immediately refer patients with acute retinal stroke to specialized centers. CRAO management should also be facilitated by developing local networks to encourage collaboration among ophthalmologists, retina specialists and stroke neurologists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandra Daruich
- Ophthalmology Department, Necker-Enfants Malades University Hospital, AP-HP, Paris Cité University, Paris, France
- INSERM, UMRS1138, Team 17, From physiopathology of ocular diseases to clinical development, Sorbonne Paris Cité University, Paris, France
| | - Matthieu P Robert
- Ophthalmology Department, Necker-Enfants Malades University Hospital, AP-HP, Paris Cité University, Paris, France
- Borelli Centre, UMR 9010, CNRS-SSA-ENS Paris Saclay-Paris Cité University, Paris, France
| | - Marta Zola
- INSERM, UMRS1138, Team 17, From physiopathology of ocular diseases to clinical development, Sorbonne Paris Cité University, Paris, France
| | - Alexandre Matet
- Ophthalmology Department, Institut Curie, Paris Cité University, Paris, France
| | - Dominique Bremond-Gignac
- Ophthalmology Department, Necker-Enfants Malades University Hospital, AP-HP, Paris Cité University, Paris, France
- INSERM, UMRS1138, Team 17, From physiopathology of ocular diseases to clinical development, Sorbonne Paris Cité University, Paris, France
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Okonkwo ON, Agweye CT, Akanbi T. Neuroprotection for Nonarteritic Central Retinal Artery Occlusion: Lessons from Acute Ischemic Stroke. Clin Ophthalmol 2023; 17:1531-1543. [PMID: 37284058 PMCID: PMC10239763 DOI: 10.2147/opth.s403433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Nonarteritic central retinal artery occlusion (NA-CRAO) is a variant of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) and is a cause of sudden severe loss of vision. There are guidelines by the American Heart Association and the American Stroke Association for the care of CRAO patients. This review explores the basis of retinal neuroprotection for CRAO and its potential for improving the outcome of NA-CRAO. Recently, there have been significant advances in research into the use of neuroprotection to treat retinal diseases, including retinal detachment, age-related macular degeneration, and inherited retinal diseases. Also, neuroprotective research in AIS has been extensive, and newer drugs tested, including Uric acid, Nerinetide, and Otaplimastat, with promising results. Progress in cerebral neuroprotection after AIS offers hope for retinal neuroprotection after CRAO; and a possibility of extrapolating research findings from AIS into CRAO. Combining neuroprotection and thrombolysis can extend the therapeutic window for NA-CRAO treatment and potentially improve outcomes. Experimented neuroprotection for CRAO includes Angiopoietin (Comp Ang1), KUS 121, Gene therapy (XIAP), and hypothermia. Efforts in the field of neuroprotection for NA-CRAO should focus on better imaging to delineate the penumbra after an acute episode of NA-CRAO (using a combination of high-definition optical coherence angiography and electrophysiology). Also, research should explore details of pathophysiologic mechanisms involved in NA-CRAO, allowing for further neuroprotective intervention, and closing the gap between preclinical and clinical neuroprotection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ogugua Ndubuisi Okonkwo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye Foundation Hospital and Eye Foundation Retina Institute, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Chineze Thelma Agweye
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Calabar and University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Cross River, Nigeria
| | - Toyin Akanbi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye Foundation Hospital and Eye Foundation Retina Institute, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria
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Lin JC, Song S, Ng SM, Scott IU, Greenberg PB. Interventions for acute non-arteritic central retinal artery occlusion. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2023; 1:CD001989. [PMID: 36715340 PMCID: PMC9885744 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd001989.pub3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acute non-arteritic central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) occurs as a sudden interruption of the blood supply to the retina and typically results in severe loss of vision in the affected eye. Although many therapeutic interventions have been proposed, there is no generally agreed upon treatment regimen. OBJECTIVES To assess the effects of treatments for acute non-arteritic CRAO. SEARCH METHODS We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (which contains the Cochrane Eyes and Vision Trials Register) (2022, Issue 2); Ovid MEDLINE; Embase.com; PubMed; Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature Database (LILACS); ClinicalTrials.gov; and the World Health Organization (WHO) International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP). We did not use any date or language restrictions in the electronic search for trials. We last searched the electronic databases on 15 February 2022. SELECTION CRITERIA We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing any interventions with another treatment in participants with acute non-arteritic CRAO in one or both eyes. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: We used standard Cochrane methodology and graded the certainty of the body of evidence for primary (mean change in best-corrected visual acuity [BCVA]) and secondary (quality of life and adverse events) outcomes using the GRADE classification. MAIN RESULTS We included six RCTs with 223 total participants with acute non-arteritic CRAO; the studies ranged in size from 10 to 84 participants. The included studies varied geographically: one in Australia, one in Austria and Germany, two in China, one in Germany, and one in Italy. We were unable to conduct any meta-analyses due to study heterogeneity. None of the included studies compared the same pair of interventions: 1) tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) versus intravenous saline; 2) t-PA versus isovolemic hemodilution, eyeball massage, intraocular pressure reduction, and anticoagulation; 3) nitroglycerin, methazolamide, mecobalamin tablets, vitamin B1 and B12 injections, puerarin and compound anisodine (also known as 654-2) along with oxygen inhalation, eyeball massage, tube expansion, and anticoagulation compared with and without intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA); 4) transcorneal electrical stimulation (TES) with 0 mA versus with 66% of the participant's individual electrical phosphene threshold (EPT) at 20 Hz (66%) versus with 150% of the participant's individual EPT (150%) at 20 Hz; 5) ophthalmic artery branch retrograde thrombolysis versus superselective ophthalmic artery thrombolysis; and 6) pentoxifylline versus placebo. There was no evidence of an important difference in visual acuity between participants treated with t-PA versus intravenous saline (mean difference [MD] at 1 month -0.15 logMAR, 95% confidence interval [CI] -0.48 to 0.18; 1 study, 16 participants; low certainty evidence); t-PA versus isovolemic hemodilution, eyeball massage, intraocular pressure reduction, and anticoagulation (MD at 1 month -0.00 logMAR, 95% CI -0.24 to 0.23; 1 study, 82 participants; low certainty evidence); and TES with 0 mA versus TES with 66% of EPT at 20 Hz versus TES with 150% of EPT at 20 Hz. Participants treated with t-PA experienced higher rates of serious adverse effects. The other three comparisons did not report statistically significant differences. Other studies reported no data on secondary outcomes (quality of life or adverse events). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: The current research suggests that proposed interventions for acute non-arteritic CRAO may not be better than observation or treatments of any kind such as eyeball massage, oxygen inhalation, tube expansion, and anticoagulation, but the evidence is uncertain. Large, well-designed RCTs are necessary to determine the most effective treatment for acute non-arteritic CRAO.
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Affiliation(s)
- John C Lin
- Division of Ophthalmology, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Sophia Song
- Division of Ophthalmology, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Sueko M Ng
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Colorado Denver - Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Ingrid U Scott
- Departments of Ophthalmology and Public Health Sciences, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Paul B Greenberg
- Section of Ophthalmology, VA Medical Center, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
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Chen C, Madike R, Cugati S. A review of the management of central retinal artery occlusion. Taiwan J Ophthalmol 2022; 12:273-281. [PMID: 36248088 PMCID: PMC9558462 DOI: 10.4103/2211-5056.353126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO), the ocular analog of a cerebral stroke, is an ophthalmic emergency. The visual prognosis for overall spontaneous visual recovery in CRAO is low. Furthermore, the risk of future ischemic heart disease and cerebral stroke is increased due to the underlying atherosclerotic risk factors. There is currently no guideline-endorsed treatment for CRAO. This review will describe the anatomy, pathophysiology, epidemiology, and clinical features of CRAO, and investigate the current and future management strategies.
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