Retinal Arterial Macroaneurysm Combined With Branch Retinal Artery Occlusion

Abstract

Purpose: Summarizing the causes of retinal arterial microaneurysm (RAM) combined with branch retinal artery occlusion (BRAO). Methods: The case reports of RAM combined with BRAO were searched in PubMed, Web of Science, and CNKI databases before May 1, 2024. A total of 9 participants from 9 case reports were included to analyze factors leading to complications. Results: The reasons for this complication are as follows: complications during photocoagulation therapy. Intraretinal hemorrhage and exudation result in compression of adjacent or distal arteries, resulting in BRAO. Embolus dislodgement or intra-arterial embolus formation can block the artery, damage the wall, and provide conditions for the development of RAM. In addition, it is necessary to be alert to the optic-disc macroaneurysm, if hemorrhage or embolus formation in the macroaneurysm will affect the blood supply of the downstream artery, affecting a large range of the retina. Conclusions: Based on the review of case reports, we found that RAM and BRAO can cause each other. Acute vision loss can result when a complication occurs. In addition, retinal vascular diseases can reflect the whole body, suggesting that ophthalmologists need to pay attention not only to the patient's fundus but also to the patient's systemic diseases.