central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO)

Introduction

also see retinal vein occlusion

Etiology

• risk factors
  • atherosclerosis ?
  • hypertension
  • glaucoma
  • hypercoagulable state

Pathology

• blockage of the central retinal vein
• macular edema

Clinical manifestations

• acute painless blurred monocular vision

Diagnostic procedures

• ophthalmoscopy:
  • diffuse retinal hemorrhages
  • dilated tortuous veins

Differential diagnosis

• central retinal artery occlusion
  • retinal whitening with a cherry red spot in the fovea
  • constriction of an arteriole may be seen
  • retinal hemorrhages uncommon

Management

• aflibercept for treatment of resultant macular edema [NGC (NICE)]

More general terms

• retinal vein occlusion

Additional terms

• central retinal vein