Essential thrombocythemia and central retinal vein occlusion with neovascular glaucoma

Abstract

Purpose: We report a case of unilateral central retinal vein occlusion resulting from essential thrombocythemia, a rare myeloproliferative disorder with abnormally increased platelet count.

Methods: A 59-year-old man had central retinal vein occlusion in the left eye as the initial sign of essential thrombocythemia. He later developed neovascular glaucoma and optic disk neovascularization.

Results: Laser panretinal photocoagulation, goniophotocoagulation, glaucoma medications, and control of the platelet count were effective treatment.

Conclusions: Early thrombocythemia is associated with systemic and ocular thrombotic and embolic complications. Early diagnosis, recognition of ocular complications, and appropriate treatment were crucial in controlling central retinal vein occlusion and ocular neovascularization associated with essential thrombocythemia.