Abstract
Purpose: :
To describe spectral-domain optical coherence tomography features of a retinal arteriovenous communication (RAC).
Methods: :
Case report- A 31-year-old Caucasian man was referred for an asymptomatic RAC in his right eye. Ophthalmologic examination encompassing visual field testing along with fluorescein angiography, Fourier Domain Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) were performed.
Results: :
Visual acuity of both eyes was 20/20. Visual-field testing revealed temporal field disturbances for the right eye. MRI of the head and orbit was normal.Fluorescein angiography indicated direct rapid arteriovenous transit of blood through the shunt. OCT revealed an extensive cystic degeneration of the retina predominantly located between the vessels. Retinal vessels occupied in some parts the entire thickness of the retina. Variable reflectivity of the inner structure of the giant vessels could be suggestive of vascular pulsations.
Conclusions: :
There was a significant discrepancy between the apparent conservancy of visual function and massive changes in retina. In retinal arteriovenous communication, Spectral domain OCT could help to quantify cystic degeneration of the retina and to measure size of major blood vessels useful for the follow up.
Keywords: retina • imaging methods (CT, FA, ICG, MRI, OCT, RTA, SLO, ultrasound) • retinal connections, networks, circuitry