Branch retinal artery occlusion: Difference between revisions
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[[ | {{SI}} | ||
{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Branch retinal artery occlusion | |||
| image = [[File:Gray514_updated.png|left|thumb|Diagram of the human eye]] | |||
| caption = Diagram of the human eye | |||
| field = [[Ophthalmology]] | |||
| synonyms = BRAO | |||
| symptoms = Sudden, painless loss of vision in one eye | |||
| complications = [[Vision loss]], [[retinal ischemia]] | |||
| onset = Sudden | |||
| duration = Variable | |||
| causes = [[Embolism]], [[thrombosis]] | |||
| risks = [[Hypertension]], [[diabetes mellitus]], [[hyperlipidemia]], [[smoking]] | |||
| diagnosis = [[Fundoscopy]], [[fluorescein angiography]] | |||
| differential = [[Central retinal artery occlusion]], [[retinal detachment]], [[vitreous hemorrhage]] | |||
| prevention = Control of risk factors | |||
| treatment = [[Ocular massage]], [[anterior chamber paracentesis]], [[hyperbaric oxygen therapy]] | |||
| prognosis = Variable, depends on the extent of ischemia | |||
| frequency = Rare | |||
}} | |||
[[file:Gray514_updated.png|left|thumb]] '''Branch retinal artery occlusion''' (BRAO) is a medical condition characterized by the blockage of one of the smaller branches of the [[central retinal artery]], which supplies blood to the [[retina]]. This blockage leads to a sudden, painless loss of vision in the area of the retina supplied by the affected artery. | |||
==Pathophysiology== | ==Pathophysiology== | ||
BRAO typically occurs due to an [[embolism]] or [[thrombosis]] that obstructs the blood flow in the retinal artery. The most common sources of emboli are [[cholesterol]] plaques (Hollenhorst plaques), [[calcific emboli]], and [[platelet-fibrin emboli]]. These emboli often originate from the [[carotid arteries]] or the [[heart]]. | BRAO typically occurs due to an [[embolism]] or [[thrombosis]] that obstructs the blood flow in the retinal artery. The most common sources of emboli are [[cholesterol]] plaques (Hollenhorst plaques), [[calcific emboli]], and [[platelet-fibrin emboli]]. These emboli often originate from the [[carotid arteries]] or the [[heart]]. | ||
==Symptoms== | ==Symptoms== | ||
Patients with BRAO usually experience a sudden, painless loss of vision in one eye. The extent of vision loss depends on the location and size of the occlusion. Peripheral vision may be affected if the occlusion is in a peripheral branch, while central vision may be compromised if the occlusion is in a branch supplying the central retina. | Patients with BRAO usually experience a sudden, painless loss of vision in one eye. The extent of vision loss depends on the location and size of the occlusion. Peripheral vision may be affected if the occlusion is in a peripheral branch, while central vision may be compromised if the occlusion is in a branch supplying the central retina. | ||
==Diagnosis== | ==Diagnosis== | ||
Diagnosis of BRAO is primarily clinical, based on the patient's history and a thorough [[ophthalmic examination]]. Key diagnostic tools include: | Diagnosis of BRAO is primarily clinical, based on the patient's history and a thorough [[ophthalmic examination]]. Key diagnostic tools include: | ||
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* [[Fluorescein angiography]]: This imaging technique can help visualize the blood flow in the retina and identify the site of occlusion. | * [[Fluorescein angiography]]: This imaging technique can help visualize the blood flow in the retina and identify the site of occlusion. | ||
* [[Optical coherence tomography]] (OCT): This non-invasive imaging test provides detailed images of the retina's structure. | * [[Optical coherence tomography]] (OCT): This non-invasive imaging test provides detailed images of the retina's structure. | ||
==Management== | ==Management== | ||
There is no definitive treatment for BRAO, but several interventions may be attempted to improve retinal blood flow and prevent further vision loss. These include: | There is no definitive treatment for BRAO, but several interventions may be attempted to improve retinal blood flow and prevent further vision loss. These include: | ||
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* Anterior chamber paracentesis: A procedure to reduce intraocular pressure. | * Anterior chamber paracentesis: A procedure to reduce intraocular pressure. | ||
* Hyperbaric oxygen therapy: To increase oxygen delivery to the retina. | * Hyperbaric oxygen therapy: To increase oxygen delivery to the retina. | ||
==Prognosis== | ==Prognosis== | ||
The prognosis for BRAO varies. Some patients may experience partial recovery of vision, while others may have permanent vision loss. The outcome largely depends on the duration of the occlusion and the promptness of intervention. | The prognosis for BRAO varies. Some patients may experience partial recovery of vision, while others may have permanent vision loss. The outcome largely depends on the duration of the occlusion and the promptness of intervention. | ||
==Prevention== | ==Prevention== | ||
Preventive measures focus on managing risk factors for embolism, such as: | Preventive measures focus on managing risk factors for embolism, such as: | ||
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* Lowering [[cholesterol]] levels | * Lowering [[cholesterol]] levels | ||
* Treating underlying [[cardiovascular disease]] | * Treating underlying [[cardiovascular disease]] | ||
==See also== | ==See also== | ||
* [[Central retinal artery occlusion]] | * [[Central retinal artery occlusion]] | ||
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* [[Amaurosis fugax]] | * [[Amaurosis fugax]] | ||
* [[Ophthalmology]] | * [[Ophthalmology]] | ||
==References== | ==References== | ||
{{Reflist}} | {{Reflist}} | ||
==External links== | ==External links== | ||
{{Commons category|Branch retinal artery occlusion}} | {{Commons category|Branch retinal artery occlusion}} | ||
[[Category:Eye diseases]] | [[Category:Eye diseases]] | ||
[[Category:Vascular diseases]] | [[Category:Vascular diseases]] | ||
[[Category:Medical emergencies]] | [[Category:Medical emergencies]] | ||
[[Category:Ophthalmology]] | [[Category:Ophthalmology]] | ||
{{medicine-stub}} | {{medicine-stub}} | ||
Latest revision as of 19:28, 4 April 2025

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD's medical weight loss NYC, sleep center NYC
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| Branch retinal artery occlusion | |
|---|---|
| Synonyms | BRAO |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Sudden, painless loss of vision in one eye |
| Complications | Vision loss, retinal ischemia |
| Onset | Sudden |
| Duration | Variable |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Embolism, thrombosis |
| Risks | Hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, smoking |
| Diagnosis | Fundoscopy, fluorescein angiography |
| Differential diagnosis | Central retinal artery occlusion, retinal detachment, vitreous hemorrhage |
| Prevention | Control of risk factors |
| Treatment | Ocular massage, anterior chamber paracentesis, hyperbaric oxygen therapy |
| Medication | N/A |
| Prognosis | Variable, depends on the extent of ischemia |
| Frequency | Rare |
| Deaths | N/A |
Branch retinal artery occlusion (BRAO) is a medical condition characterized by the blockage of one of the smaller branches of the central retinal artery, which supplies blood to the retina. This blockage leads to a sudden, painless loss of vision in the area of the retina supplied by the affected artery.
Pathophysiology[edit]
BRAO typically occurs due to an embolism or thrombosis that obstructs the blood flow in the retinal artery. The most common sources of emboli are cholesterol plaques (Hollenhorst plaques), calcific emboli, and platelet-fibrin emboli. These emboli often originate from the carotid arteries or the heart.
Symptoms[edit]
Patients with BRAO usually experience a sudden, painless loss of vision in one eye. The extent of vision loss depends on the location and size of the occlusion. Peripheral vision may be affected if the occlusion is in a peripheral branch, while central vision may be compromised if the occlusion is in a branch supplying the central retina.
Diagnosis[edit]
Diagnosis of BRAO is primarily clinical, based on the patient's history and a thorough ophthalmic examination. Key diagnostic tools include:
- Fundoscopy: This may reveal a pale retina with a visible embolus.
- Fluorescein angiography: This imaging technique can help visualize the blood flow in the retina and identify the site of occlusion.
- Optical coherence tomography (OCT): This non-invasive imaging test provides detailed images of the retina's structure.
Management[edit]
There is no definitive treatment for BRAO, but several interventions may be attempted to improve retinal blood flow and prevent further vision loss. These include:
- Ocular massage: Gentle pressure applied to the eye to dislodge the embolus.
- Anterior chamber paracentesis: A procedure to reduce intraocular pressure.
- Hyperbaric oxygen therapy: To increase oxygen delivery to the retina.
Prognosis[edit]
The prognosis for BRAO varies. Some patients may experience partial recovery of vision, while others may have permanent vision loss. The outcome largely depends on the duration of the occlusion and the promptness of intervention.
Prevention[edit]
Preventive measures focus on managing risk factors for embolism, such as:
- Controlling hypertension
- Managing diabetes mellitus
- Lowering cholesterol levels
- Treating underlying cardiovascular disease
See also[edit]
References[edit]
<references group="" responsive="1"></references>
External links[edit]
