Clinical significance of retinal emboli during diagnostic and therapeutic cardiac catheterization in patients with coronary artery disease.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Cardiac catheterization may cause retinal embolization, a risk factor for cerebrovascular emboli and stroke. We describe the incidence of clinically silent and apparent retinal emboli following diagnostic and interventional coronary catheterization and associated risk factors.

Methods

Three hundred selected patients attending a tertiary referral center for diagnostic and therapeutic cardiac catheterization were studied. Retinal examination and examination of the visual field and acuity were done before and after catheterization by a retinal specialist.

Results

There were 5 case of retinal embolus before catheterization, and 19 patients (incidence 6.3%) developed new retinal arteriolar emboli after catheterization. Only 1 patient developed clinically apparen

SUBMITTER: Kojuri J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3032753 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature