Higher Incidence of Carotid Stenosis in Patients With Central Retinal Artery Occlusion

Abstract

Purpose: : To evaluate the incidence of carotid stenosis in the patients with central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO).

Methods: : Thirty-four Japnese patients (age: 65.1+/-13.7 y.o.) with CRAO which was diagnosed by funduscopic examination and fluorescein angiogram were performed carotid echogram to evaluate the presence of carotid stenosis (> 70%) in the affected side of the eyes. These patients were compared with 68 patients (age: 63.5+/-11.6 y.o.) who performed carotid echogram as annual examination but with normal retinal findings in both eyes. This research was conducted in compliance with the Declaration of Helsinki.

Results: : Carotid stenosis in the affected side of the eye was found in 9 patients (26%) with CRAO, while no patients with normal retina were detected carotid stenosis (P<0.001, Fisher exact probability test). The carotid stenosis in the other side of CRAO was found in 4 patients (12%, P=0.011) with CRAO.

Conclusions: : Higher incidence of carotid stenosis was found in patients with CRAO. We concluded that carotid stenosis was one of risk factors developing CRAO.

Keywords: clinical (human) or epidemiologic studies: prevalence/incidence • ischemia • retina