Clinical analysis of fundus fluorescein angiography in Takayasu arteritis

Abstract

Background Takayasu arteritis is a non specificity inflammation of aorta and its branch.The incidence of Takayasu arteritis is low and its ocular secondary disease is rare.The correct diagnosis of Takayasu arteritis is very important for its early treatment in clinic.Objective This study is to analyze the fundus findings and characteristic of fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA) of Takayasu retinopathy.Methods The FFA and clinical data of 12 patients (24 eyes) with Takayasu arteritis were retrospectively reviewed.Written informed consent was obtained from all the patients before and initiation of any study protocol.Results In 12 patients,chronic ischemic retinopathy was found in 15 eyes of 9 patients.The arm to retina circulation time(A RCT) prolonged to (19.20±2.95) s in 5 eyes,and the retinal circulation time (RCT) delayed to 10.62±6.15 s in 5 eyes.Peripapillary arteriovenous anastomosis was found in 2 eyes of 2 patients.Macular arch ring was incomplete in 6 eyes of 4 patients.Eight patients (14 eyes) had telangiectasis and microaneurysm,and 2 eyes of 2 patients presented neovascularization on the disc or elsewhere.In 12 patients,hypertensive retinopathy was found in 4 eyes of 3 patients,showing narrow retinal artery,arteriosclerosis,hemorrhage,cotton wool spots and hard exudates.Ten patients were diagnosed as Takayasu arteritis before FFA examination,and 2 patients were determinedly diagnosed after FFA was performed.Conclusion The main features of Takayasu retinopathy are hypertensive retinopathy and chronic ischemic retinopathy.It is important for ophthalmologist to correctly recognize the clinical features of TA. Key words: Takayasu arteritis; fundus fluorescein angiography; ischemic retinopathy; hypertensive retinopathy