Antiphospholipid antibodies in retinal vascular occlusions. A prospective study of 75 patients
A. Glacet-Bernard, N. Bayani, P. Chretien, C. Cochard, F. Lelong and G. Coscas
University Eye Clinic of Creteil, France.
OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence of antiphospholipid antibodies in
patients with occlusive retinal vascular disorders. PATIENTS: Seventy-five
consecutive patients (44 with central retinal vein occlusions, 24 with
branch venous occlusions, five with vasculitis plus branch venous
occlusion, and two with arterial occlusions) were screened for
antiphospholipid antibodies and compared with a control group composed of
outpatients with similar systemic vascular disorders. RESULTS: The antibody
assay for one patient was positive for lupus anticoagulant and the antibody
assay for three other patients was positive for anticardiolipin antibodies.
These four patients had central or branch retinal vein occlusion and
presented with several vascular risk factors. Comparison of the retinal
vascular occlusion and the control groups showed no difference in the
levels of anticardiolipin antibodies or lupus anticoagulant. CONCLUSIONS:
Antiphospholipid antibodies did not seem to be a feature of retinal vein
occlusion, but in rare cases (5%) they may contribute to the occlusive
phenomenon. A systematic screening does not seem to be justified, but it
may be valuable to test for antiphospholipid antibodies in patients without
conventional risk factors and in patients with clotting screen
abnormalities, particularly if associated with lupus-like syndrome or other
elements of the primary antiphospholipid syndrome.
