CENTRAL RETINAL VEIN OCCLUSION IN PATIENTS TREATED WITH LONG-TERM WARFARIN SODIUM (COUMADIN) FOR ANTICOAGULATION

Nonvalvular atrial fibrillation and retinal vein occlusion: The Valdecilla Cohort

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

Retinal vein occlusion (RVO) and nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) are associated with vascular risk factors (VRF) and aging. The aim of this study is to analyze differences in the prevalence of VRF, vascular events, glaucoma, and anticoagulant treatment in patients with NVAF and RVO compared to a control group of the general population from the same geographic area.

METHODS

This is a prospective, single-center, case-control study. All patients diagnosed with RVO from December 2008 to March 2020 as well as a control group were included. Clinical, laboratory, electrocardiographic, and carotid ultrasound variables were analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 386 patients with RVO and 343 controls were studied. Patients with RVO and NVAF were older and more of them had hypertension, a history of vascular events, and carotid atheromatosis than subjects with RVO without NVAF. In patients with NVAF who were on anticoagulants, those who had RVO differed from the controls with NVAF in that they had a higher prevalence of glaucoma (32 vs. 5.3%; p<0.034), with no significant differences regarding age, VRF, vascular events, or type of anticoagulant therapy (acenocumarol or direct-acting oral anticoagulants).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with RVO and NVAF were older and had a higher prevalence of hypertension and carotid atheromatosis than subjects with RVO without NVAF. Patients with NVAF and RVO had higher prevalence of glaucoma than subjects with NVAF without RVO. In patients with NVAF, it is recommended to optimized VRF treatment and glaucoma control to prevent the development of RVO.

Current concepts in the diagnosis and management of antiphospholipid syndrome and ocular manifestations

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is an autoimmune disorder associated with obstetrical complications, thrombotic complications involving both arteries and veins, and non-thrombotic manifestations affecting multiple other systems presenting in various clinical forms. Diagnosis requires the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies. The exact pathogenesis of APS is not fully known. However, it has recently been shown that activation of different types of cells by antiphospholipid antibodies plays an important role in thrombosis formation. Ocular involvement is one of the important clinical manifestations of APS and can vary in presentations. Therefore, as an ophthalmologist, it is crucial to be familiar with the ocular findings of APS to prevent further complications that can develop. Furthermore, the ongoing identification of new and specific factors contributing to the pathogenesis of APS may provide new therapeutic options in the management of the disease in the future.

Venous thrombosis in unusual sites: A practical review for the hematologist

Thrombosis of unusual venous sites encompasses a large part of consultative hematology and is encountered routinely by practicing hematologists. Contrary to the more commonly encountered lower extremity venous thrombosis and common cardiovascular disorders, the various thromboses outlined in this review have unique presentations, pathophysiology, workup, and treatments that all hematologists should be aware of. This review attempts to outline the most up to date literature on cerebral, retinal, upper extremity, hepatic, portal, splenic, mesenteric, and renal vein thrombosis, focusing on the incidence, pathophysiology, provoking factors, and current recommended treatments for each type of unusual thrombosis to provide a useful and practical review for the hematologist.

Cardiovascular risk factors, nonvalvular atrial fibrillation and retinal vein occlusion

OBJECTIVES

To analyse the importance of cardiovascular risk factors, ultrasound findings in the supra-aortic trunk and the presence of anticoagulated nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) in patients with retinal vein occlusion (RVO) and in a control group.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted of all patients with RVO consecutively referred to the office of internal medicine, comparing them with a control group. We analysed clinical, electrocardiographic and ultrasound variables.

RESULTS

We studied 212 patients (114 men and 98 women) with RVO and 212 controls (95 men and 117 women) of similar ages. Arterial hypertension, dyslipidaemia and diabetes mellitus were significantly more prevalent in the patients with RVO than in the controls (73.6 vs. 50%, 64.6 vs. 48.6% and 27.8 vs. 12.3%, respectively). We observed arteriosclerotic lesions in the supra-aortic trunk in 55% of the patients with RVO. The patients with RVO and NVAF had a greater burden of cardiovascular risk factors than the controls with NVAF. There were no differences in terms of the international normalised ratio or in the use of direct anticoagulants between the cases and controls with NVAF.

CONCLUSIONS

Cardiovascular risk factors (especially arterial hypertension) and arteriosclerotic involvement of the supra-aortic trunk are highly prevalent in RVO. Anticoagulation does not appear to be effective in preventing RVO.

RETINAL VEIN OCCLUSIONS, FROM BASICS TO THE LATEST TREATMENT

PURPOSE

To review the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and updated treatments of retinal vein occlusions (RVOs).

METHODS

A review of the literature was performed, focusing on the epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatments (including both medical and surgical treatments) of RVO. Based on this review, a comprehensive overview was provided regarding the topic of RVO and focused on recent treatment updates.

RESULTS

Retinal vein occlusions have an age- and sex-standardized prevalence of 5.20 per 1,000 for any RVO, 4.42 per 1,000 for branch RVO, 0.80 per 1,000 for central RVO. Worldwide, an estimated 16.4 million adults are affected by RVOs, with 2.5 million affected by central RVO and 13.9 million affected by branch RVO. Retinal vein occlusion is recognized as an important cause of blindness and the diagnostic approaches and treatment options for RVO are reviewed and reported. The current treatment options including medical treatments (bevacizumab, ranibizumab, aflibercept, triamcinolone, and dexamethasone implants) and surgical alternatives were reviewed and reported with summaries on the corresponding strength of evidence.

CONCLUSION

Despite the understanding of this disease entity, challenges persist in the long-term treatment of RVO-related complications and visual loss. This review provided a detailed summary on the rationality and efficacy of recently developed treatment regimes and evaluated the potential benefit of combination therapy.

Best practices for treatment of retinal vein occlusion

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Retinal vein occlusion (RVO) is a sight-threatening retinal vascular disorder associated with macular edema and neovascularization. Until recently, the standard of care for branch RVO-associated macular edema was grid laser photocoagulation and observation for central RVO-associated macular edema. Neovascularization was treated with scatter laser photocoagulation. The purpose of this article is to review recent findings that have changed our treatments of RVO.

RECENT FINDINGS

The recent development of intravitreal pharmacotherapy has demonstrated benefit with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) agents and corticosteroids for the treatment of RVO-associated macular edema. The intravitreal use of FDA-approved ranibizumab (Lucentis) and a sustained release dexamethasone implant (Ozurdex), along with off-label bevacizumab (Avastin) and preservative-free triamcinolone, has significantly expanded our treatment options and replaced standard of care for treatment of RVO-associated macular edema. Whereas anti-VEGF agents can also induce rapid regression of neovascularization, scatter laser photocoagulation remains the standard of care to prevent neovascular complications.

SUMMARY

Intravitreal pharmacotherapy has revolutionized our treatment of retinal vascular diseases, including RVO. Although these intravitreal agents are effective, our understanding of their specific indications and long-term roles is still evolving. Furthermore, until the underlying occlusive pathophysiology of RVO can be addressed, our treatments will be limited to temporizing therapies against a chronic disease.

Retinal vein occlusion: beyond the acute event

Retinal vein occlusion is a major cause of vision loss. We provide an overview of the clinical features, pathogenesis, natural history, and management of both branch retinal vein occlusion and central retinal vein occlusion. Several recent multicenter randomized clinical trials have been completed which have changed the approach to this disorder. Management of retinal vein occlusions can be directed at the underlying etiology or the resulting sequelae. Options include surgical intervention, laser photocoagulation, intravitreal pharmacotherapy, and sustained drug delivery devices.

Central retinal vein occlusion with therapeutic level of anticoagulation

Purpose. To describe a patient with two episodes of deep venous thrombosis and factor V Leiden mutation who presented with central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) despite prophylactic use of warfarin sodium (Coumadin). Methods. A case report of a 44-year-old woman with a history of recurrent deep venous thrombosis and Factor V Leiden mutation was placed on lifelong prophylactic therapy with warfarin. The patient presented with CRVO in the left eye despite therapeutic levels of warfarin. Results. Extensive systemic evaluation disclosed high titers for antinuclear antibody (ANA). Conclusion. Systemic anticoagulation with warfarin may not preclude further thrombotic episodes. In younger patients presenting with retinal vein occlusion and pre-existing multiple thrombophilic risk factors, a multidisciplinary approach is recommended to explore other therapeutic options to avoid further thromboembolic complications.

Central retinal vein occlusion following Sirsasana (headstand posture)

We report a case of central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) following Sirsasana, a head-down postural yoga. A 55-year-old male patient presented to us, with sudden-onset loss of vision following Sirsasana, in the right eye. The patient had suffered from pulmonary thromboembolism 5 years earlier and was receiving warfarin prophylaxis. Over 6 months of follow-up, the patient developed neovascularization of the iris and was subjected to panretinal laser with no improvement in visual acuity. Sirsasana could be an important risk factor for CRVO especially in predisposed patients.

Retinal vascular occlusions: an interdisciplinary challenge

INTRODUCTION

Retinal venous and arterial occlusions are common causes of visual loss. Depending on the location and extent, symptoms may vary from very discrete impairments to complete loss of sight.

METHODS

Selective literature review including the authors' own research data with a particular focus on interdisciplinary aspects.

RESULTS

Retinal vascular occlusions are not a uniform entity. Rather, they reflect the whole breadth of vascular disease. In arterial occlusion, embolic phenomena and Horton's arteritis should be excluded, in addition to local ophthalmological investigations. In retinal venous occlusion, optimal treatment of arterial hypertension is universally useful, while investigations for thrombophilia are useful in patients under 50 years of age. The results of intravitreal injection of corticosteroids and vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitors appear encouraging in treatment of macular edema secondary to retinal vein occlusion.

DISCUSSION

While local diagnostic and therapeutic measures are performed by ophthalmologists, there is an important role for interdisciplinary cooperation in the investigation and systemic treatment of these events.

Looking into the eyes of patients with antiphospholipid syndrome

Diagnosis of antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) should be considered in all patients with recurrent systemic or ocular thrombosis in the absence of known risk factors. Because of the frequent ocular involvement in APS patients (as many as 80%), an ophthalmologic assessment should become a routine part of the clinical work-up of all patients in whom APS is highly suspected. The presence of isolated ocular thrombosis with persistently increased titers of antiphospholipid antibodies should be considered as definite APS. Ocular involvement in APS is frequently associated with other manifestations of the central nervous system (CNS), such as transient ischemic attack or cerebral vascular events. Diagnostic tools are needed to better establish a diagnosis of retinal vascular thrombosis. The treatment of isolated ocular APS should be based on the same principles as in all patients with systemic APS. Anticoagulation is aimed to prevent recurrent ocular or cerebral thromboses.

Central retinal vein occlusion case-control study

PURPOSE

To investigate risk factors for central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO).

DESIGN

Retrospective case-control study.

METHODS

Consecutive patients with CRVO examined from July 1, 2005 through July 31, 2006 were compared with an historical gender- and age-matched control group of patients with ocular problems other than vascular occlusive disease from the same referral practice. Risk factors for CRVO were evaluated.

RESULTS

The 144 patients in the CRVO group, 87 males and 57 females, had a mean age of 69.6 years (+/-13.6 years). CRVO was associated with hypertension (P < .001), diabetes mellitus (P = .047), glaucoma (P < .001), atrial fibrillation (P = .036), angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor use (P = .022), aspirin use (P < .001), and warfarin use (P = .011) by univariate analyses. Postmenopausal estrogen use was more common among women in the control group (P = .029). Multivariate logistic regression found the independent predictors for CRVO to be: glaucoma (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 4.75; P < .001), aspirin use (adjusted OR, 2.66; P = .001), and warfarin use (adjusted OR, 3.34; P = .005).

CONCLUSIONS

We found many of the same risk factors previously identified for CRVO by other studies, but we identified both aspirin and warfarin use to be independent risk factors for CRVO. Although these findings suggest the vasculopathic and prothrombotic risks in some patients may not be addressed adequately by antithrombotic therapy, they also suggest that the pathogenesis of CRVO may be more complicated than just the development of a primary thrombus within the vein.

Central retinal venous occlusion in an otherwise-healthy child

Isolated retinal venous occlusion rarely occurs in otherwise-healthy children.(1-3) We report a unilateral case of central retinal vein occlusion with secondary proliferative retinopathy and neovascular glaucoma in a 6-year-old girl. Despite an extensive workup, no etiology was identified.