Abstract
Purpose: :
To determine the presence of retinal vascular disease and vascular anomalies in an adult population of patients with congenital heart disease (CHD).
Methods: :
IRB–approved, prospective consecutive case series of four adult patients with congenital heart disease examined by a single observer at one institution. Wide–angle Optos® photography to document retinopathy.
Results: :
Four patients were examined. Patient One was a 30 year–old woman with coarctation of the aorta, malposition of great arteries, double inlet single left ventricle status post 4 cardiac surgeries. Most recent surgery was 12 years prior to presentation. Visual acuity (VA) measured 20/20 OU. There were no ocular abnormalities. Patient Two was a 42 year–old man with non–restrictive ventricular septal defect, Eisenmenger syndrome, situs inversus, dextrocardia. VA measured 20/20 OD and 20/30 OS. There was evidence of retinal vascular tortuosity. Patient Three was a 37 year–old woman with coarctation of the aorta status post repair times two, most recently 6 years prior to presentation. VA measured 20/20 OU. There was evidence of retinal vascular tortuosity. Patient Four was a 61 year–old man with coarctation of the aorta 39 years status post repair. VA measured 20/20 OU. There was evidence retinal vascular tortuosity, arterial narrowing and arterial–venous crossing changes. 3 of 4 patients showed evidence of retinal vascular tortuosity.
Conclusions: :
Adult patients with CHD status post repair may have retinal vascular abnormalities. In adult patients with retinal vascular tortuosity, CHD should be considered.
Keywords: retina • pathology: human