retinal arteriovenous nicking; AV nicking

Etiology

• hypertensive retinopathy (most common)

Pathology

• the arteriole & venule share a common sheath
• the arteriole's thicker walls push against those of the venule forcing the venule to collapse
• this cause the venule form an hourglass shape around the arteriole
• sclerotic thickening or glial cell proliferation at the site where the two vessels cross may also play a role

Clinical manifestations

• an arteriole is seen crossing a venule resulting in compression of the venule with bulging on either side of the crossing

Diagnostic procedures

• funduscopy

Management

• blood pressure control (see chronic hypertension)

More general terms

• retinal disease
• vascular disease (vasculopathy)