Endothelial Dysfunction is Related to Central Retinal Artery Occlusion

Abstract

Objective: Central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) is severe and painless vision loss due to retinal infarction. Most CRAO patients have atherosclerotic risk factors. Flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) and pulse wave velocity (PWV) may indicate the presence or progression of atherosclerosis. This study aims to evaluate the arterial stiffness parameters and the presence of endothelial dysfunction in patients with CRAO. Materials and Methods: 33 consecutive CRAO patients (63 ± 7 years, 21 men (63.6%)) were recruited in the study. 35 age /sex-matched participants were included as a control group, FMD and PWV were measured from the brachial artery, as indicators of endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis in the arterial wall, respectively. Additionally, the transthoracic echocardiographic parameters of the patients were investigated. Results: CRAO patients had significantly higher frequencies of hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and smoking status. Furthermore, the frequency of diabetes was also higher in the CRAO group, but the difference was not statistically significant. CRAO patients had significantly higher PWV and lower FMD compared to the controls. There were no significant differences between groups regarding left ventricle systolic and diastolic functions. Conclusion: Our study showed that CRAO patients may have endothelial dysfunction and increased arterial stiffness. Systemic endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis may be linked to the development of CRAO.