A retrospective, comparative case-control study was used to test the hypothesis that a risk factor for retinal versus cerebral infarct is the angular origin of the ophthalmic artery from the internal carotid artery. The study compared one group (n=28) who were diagnosed with central or branch retinal artery occlusion with embolic aetiology and a second group (n=26) diagnosed with embolic middle cerebral artery infarction. Those diagnosed with both retinal and cerebral embolic events were excluded from the analysis. Angiography was available for all patients. The results reveal patients with a more angular origin of the ophthalmic artery from the internal carotid artery, more often experienced a monocular embolic event. There are several limitations to this study including its small sample size and several potentially influential factors were not assessed. Whilst this study does not have any impact on clinical practice, it is the first step towards further non-invasive studies to better used vascular anatomy to identify risk of future events.
Can the angle of origin of the ophthalmic artery predict embolic trajectory?
Reviewed by Lauren Hepworth
Site of origin of the ophthalmic artery influences the risk for retinal versus cerebral embolic events.
CONTRIBUTOR
Lauren R Hepworth
University of Liverpool; Honorary Stroke Specialist Clinical Orthoptist, Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust; St Helen’s and Knowsley NHS Foundation Trust, UK.
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