Hondeghem K, Blanckaert M, Blanckaert J
Department of Ophthalmology, University of Leuven, Belgium.
Bull Soc Belge Ophtalmol. 1999;271:9-15.
Although branch retinal artery occlusion (BRAO) is a relatively benign disease in terms of permanent visual impairment, the associated systemic diseases confer significant morbidity and mortality. The following systemic disorders can be found among patients presenting with a retinal artery occlusion: hypertension (59%), significant atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (21%), diabetes mellitus (15% to 21%), left-sided valvular heart disease (5%), and cerebrovascular accidents (5%). These underlying systemic diseases are often responsible for a significant reduction in life expectancy and are in many cases potentially treatable conditions. A thorough cardiovascular examination (including a carotid duplex ultrasonography) may identify these occult diseases, and a prompt and effective treatment may improve the quantity and quality of patients' lives by reducing the risk of further arterial occlusive events.
尽管视网膜分支动脉阻塞（BRAO）就永久性视力损害而言是一种相对良性的疾病，但相关的全身性疾病会带来显著的发病率和死亡率。在出现视网膜动脉阻塞的患者中可发现以下全身性疾病：高血压（59%）、严重的动脉粥样硬化性心血管疾病（21%）、糖尿病（15%至21%）、左侧瓣膜性心脏病（5%）和脑血管意外（5%）。这些潜在的全身性疾病往往会导致预期寿命显著缩短，而且在许多情况下是可以潜在治疗的疾病。全面的心血管检查（包括颈动脉双功超声检查）可能会发现这些隐匿性疾病，及时有效的治疗可能通过降低进一步动脉闭塞事件的风险来改善患者生活的质量和数量。
