Optical coherence tomography findings in central retinal artery occlusion.

PubMed ID: 17152548

Author(s): Falkenberry SM, Ip MS, Blodi BA, Gunther JB. Optical coherence tomography findings in central retinal artery occlusion. Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging. 2006 Nov-Dec;37(6):502-5. doi: 10.3928/15428877-20061101-12. PMID 17152548

Journal: Ophthalmic Surgery, Lasers & Imaging : The Official Journal Of The International Society For Imaging In The Eye, Volume 37, Issue 6, 2006

This article describes optical coherence tomography (OCT) findings in patients with central retinal artery occlusion by conducting a retrospective review of two cases. Central retinal artery occlusion shows a distinct pattern on OCT images. In the acute phase, OCT images demonstrate the increased reflectivity and thickness of the inner retina and a corresponding decrease of reflectivity in the outer layer of the retina and retinal pigment epithelium/choriocapillaris layer. Follow-up OCT images demonstrate a decrease in the reflectivity and thickness of the inner retinal layers and a corresponding increase of reflectivity in the outer retina and retinal pigment epithelium/choriocapillaris layer compared with the baseline OCT image, suggesting a generalized atrophy of the neurosensory retina as a late finding. Therefore, the use of OCT may help facilitate prompt recognition of acute and chronic central retinal artery occlusion.