ID: 40: OPHTHALMOLOGISTS SHOULD ASSESS FOR THROMBOPHILIA, A MAJOR CAUSE OF CENTRAL RETINAL ARTERY AND CENTRAL RETINAL VEIN OCCLUSION

Background Thrombotic retinal vascular occlusive disease, central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) and central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO), are well known causes of visual loss. They are often associated with familial thrombophilia, which may predispose to other thrombotic events. Specific aim We compared measures of thrombophilia in 77 women with retinal vascular occlusion, 16 with CRAO (mean±SD age 52±19) and 61 with CRVO (mean±SD age 64±17), compared to 62 healthy female controls (mean±SD age 44±12) without ocular thrombosis to better delineate the role of thrombophilia in retinal vascular occlusion. Results Of 11 measures of thrombophilia, the 77 women with retinal vascular occlusion were more likely to have ≥1 abnormal level (90%) when compared to 62 normal female controls (44%, p Conclusion By screening for thrombophilia in women with CRAO and CRVO who have early onset of disease, severe phenotypes, or lack typical risk factors of retinal vascular occlusion, ophthalmologists may assist in diagnosis of common familial thrombophilias. Appropriate diagnosis has relevance not only for retinal vascular occlusion, but also for obstetric and thrombotic outcomes in the probands and in their first-degree relatives.