Arteriotomy with embolus evacuation and neurotomy in retinal artery occlusion – pilot study

Author: Karolina Boni_ska (Poland)

Co-authors: Sławomir Cisiecki, Maciej Bednarski

Purpose

This study aimed to investigate the visual outcomes and anatomical changes after vitrectomy for retinal artery occlusion.

Setting/Venue

In this paper, we present 12 cases of RAO in which, after conservative treatment and paracentesis, a decision was made to perform vitrectomy with arteriotomy or radial neurotomy and arteriotomy. This is the first study to describe the use of these surgical methods in a large group of patients.

Methods

This retrospective study included 12 eyes of 12 patients (11 with central retinal artery occlusion, 1 branch retinal artery occlusion) treated with vitrectomy with arteriotomy or with neurotomy and arteriotomy. Complete ophthalmic examination was performed preoperatively, at 2 weeks, and 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after surgery.

Results

The mean preoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 1.94 logMAR, and the final BCVA after 12-months follow-up was 2.04 logMAR. After vitrectomy with arteriotomy, the BCVA in patients treated with neurotomy and arteriotomy was 1.65 and 2.45, respectively (p = 0.038).

Conlusions

No benefits have been achieved from using vitrectomy in retinal artery occlusion cases.

Financial Disclosure

No financial relations.

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