Incomplete Central Retinal Artery Occlusion

Min, Woog Ki

Abstract

Ophthalmic artery occlusion results in a circulatory disturbance of both central retinal artery and posterior ciliary arteries, causing an ischemia of retina and choroid. On fundus examination, white retinal opacification and cherry-red spot can be noted if central retinal artery occlusion is not associated with lateral posterior ciliary artery obstruction. If, however, central retinal artery occlusion is asssociated with lateral posterior ciliary artery obstruction, the cherry-red spot is no longer visible. The author experienced five patients with a mottled loss of retinal transparency in the macular region. Combined central retinal artery occlusion with obstruction of both medial posterior ciliary artery and lateral posterior ciliary artery were observed in two patients, both central retinal artery occlusion and medial posterior ciliary obstruction in two patients, and central retinal artery occlusion alone in one patient. The fundus findings in all five cases are compatible with an incomplete central retinal artery occlusion which in at least four cases was associated with evidence of choroidal vascular obstruction.