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. 2017:2017:9120892.
doi: 10.1155/2017/9120892. Epub 2017 Jul 11.

Vascular Occlusions following Ocular Surgical Procedures: A Clinical Observation of Vascular Complications after Ocular Surgery

Charlotte Fischer  1 , Anne Bruggemann  2 , Annette Hager  3 , Josep Callizo Planas  1 , Johann Roider  4 , Hans Hoerauf  1
Affiliations

Vascular Occlusions following Ocular Surgical Procedures: A Clinical Observation of Vascular Complications after Ocular Surgery

Charlotte Fischer et al. J Ophthalmol. 2017.

Abstract

Background: Ocular vascular occlusions following intraocular procedures are a rare complication. We report a case series of patients with retinal vascular occlusions or anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (AION) after anterior and posterior segment surgery and demonstrate possible risk factors.

Methods: Observational case series.

Results: In ten patients, vascular occlusions were observed within ten weeks after intraocular surgery: branch retinal arterial occlusion (BRAO) (n = 2), central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) (n = 2), central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) (n = 1), branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) (n = 1), anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (AION) (n = 3), and combined central artery and vein occlusion (n = 1). AION occurred later (27-69 d) than arterial occlusions (14-60 d) or venous occlusions (1-2 d). In all cases, either specific surgical manipulations or general vascular disorders were identified as risk factors. In addition to general cardiovascular risk factors (arterial hypertension n = 6, diabetes mellitus n = 4), internal workup disclosed bilateral stenosis of the carotid arteries (n = 1) and myeloproliferative syndrome (n = 1).

Conclusion: Vascular occlusions after surgical ocular procedures seem to be more frequent when cardiovascular diseases coexist. Surgical maneuvers and intra- or postoperative pressure changes may act as a triggering mechanism in patients with underlying systemic cardiovascular disorders. Affected patients should undergo thorough internal examination to identify possible underlying diseases.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Fluorescein angiography of patient number 6 (BRAO) two weeks after successful macular hole surgery (a) demonstrating a small macular arterial occlusion at the superior arcade (arrow) and (b) showing the nonperfused retinal area.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Fundus photography of patient number 10 showing a C2F6 40% gas-filled vitreous cavity with combined central artery and vein occlusion after primary vitrectomy and encircling band for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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