branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO)

Introduction

see retinal vein occlusion

Etiology

• risk factors
  • hypertension
  • diabetes mellitus
  • heart failure
  • cerebrovascular disease

Pathology

• atherosclerotic retinal arteries
• eyes with arteriovenous crossings appear to be at risk
  • artery is anterior to the vein in most of these cases
  • artery & vein share a common adventitial sheath
• increased arterial stiffness may be a mechanical factor causing venous thrombosis
• blockage of the small veins that carry blood away from the retina

Clinical manifestations

• may be asymptomatic or present with scotoma or visual field defect

More general terms

• retinal vein occlusion

Additional terms

• retinal vein