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Abstract #13427 Published in IGR 8-1
The pathogenesis of optic disc splinter haemorrhages: a new hypothesis
Grieshaber MC; Terhorst T; Flammer JActa Ophthalmologica Scandinavica 2006; 84: 62-68
PURPOSE: To describe a hypothesized relationship between optic disc haemorrhages (ODHs) and primary vascular dysregulation (PVD). METHODS: Observational case report of a patient with classical PVD and five bilateral recurrent ODHs. RESULTS: The ODHs were superotemporal in the right eye and inferotemporal in the left; the eyes were otherwise normal. Intraocular pressure (IOP) never exceeded 17 mmHg. Visual fields were normal. Increased blood flow resistivity, a reduced blood flow of the extraocular vessels, a low systemic blood pressure, a cold-induced flow stop of the nailfold capillaries, and elevated endothelin-1 plasma levels were found, all confirming the diagnosis of vascular dysregulation. CONCLUSIONS: Optic disc haemorrhages may be due to a disturbed blood-retina barrier rather than to a mechanical rupture of the vessel. This barrier dysfunction may occur in the context of PVD.
Dr. M.C. Grieshaber, University Eye Clinic, University Hospital of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
Classification:
9.2.2 Other risk factors for glaucoma (Part of: 9 Clinical forms of glaucomas > 9.2 Primary open angle glaucomas)
