Systemic and local vascular features in branch retinal vein occlusion: analysis of the retinal age gap and crossing pattern.

ABSTRACT:

Background/aims

To evaluate the respective roles of systemic vascular vulnerability and local vascular anatomy in the onset of branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) by analysing the retinal age gap and arteriovenous crossing patterns.

Methods

This observational study enrolled 202 patients with unilateral BRVO and 100 age-matched, sex-matched and axial length-matched healthy controls. A deep learning model was applied to colour fundus images to estimate the retinal age; the retinal age gap (predicted retinal age minus chronological age) in the fellow eye was used as a surrogate residual marker of systemic vascular vulnerability. At the occlusion site, arteriovenous crossing was classified (arterial vs venous overcrossing) using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA).<

SUBMITTER: Nonaka H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12778223 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature