Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Central Retinal Artery Occlusion: Results of a Prospective and Standardized Medical Examination.

PURPOSE: To analyze the underlying risk factors in patients with nonarteritic central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) in a well-defined and homogenous group of patients enrolled in the European Assessment Group for Lysis in the Eye (EAGLE) study.

DESIGN: Analysis of the cardiovascular risk factors in a prospective, randomized clinical trial.

PARTICIPANTS: Seventy-seven EAGLE patients with nonarteritic CRAO.

METHODS: Analysis of vascular risk factors and underlying diseases detected by questionnaire and standardized physical examination within 1 month after occlusion.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The standardized physical examination included carotid Doppler ultrasonography, echocardiography, electrocardiography, blood pressure monitoring, pulse rate, urine analysis, body mass index analysis, and laboratory tests.

RESULTS: Seventy-seven of 84 patients had complete datasets for analysis. Fifty-two (67%) patients had cardiovascular risk factors in their medical history, and comprehensive phenotyping identified at least 1 new risk factor in 60 patients (78%; 95% confidence interval, 67%-87%). Thirty-one (40%) had carotid artery stenosis of at least 70%. Eleven patients experienced a stroke, 5 of those within 4 weeks after the CRAO occurred. Arterial hypertension was found in 56 (73%) patients and was newly diagnosed in 12 (16%) study participants. Cardiac diseases were also highly prevalent (22% coronary artery disease, 20% atrial fibrillation, and 17% valvular heart disease).

CONCLUSIONS: Previously undiagnosed vascular risk factors were found in 78% of all CRAO patients. The most meaningful risk factor was ipsilateral carotid artery stenosis. A comprehensive and prompt diagnostic work-up is mandatory for all CRAO patients.