[Color-coded duplex ultrasonography of the orbit in central vein thrombosis].
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the haemodynamic findings of orbital vessels in patients with central retinal vein occlusion by colour coded duplex sonography.


METHODS
In 24 patients suffering from central retinal vein occlusion, confirmed by ophthalmoscopy and fluorescence angiography, colour-coded duplex sonography of central retinal vein, central retinal artery, posterior ciliary arteries and ophthalmic artery of the affected, and the unaffected contralateral eye, was performed and compared to a control group (150 healthy subjects).


RESULTS
In eyes with central retinal vein occlusion, the maximum velocity of the central retinal vein was on average 4.55 cm/s (+/-2.37 cm/s) and, as compared with the unaffected eye (mean: 6.56 +/- 1.47 cm/s) and the control group (5.97 +/- 2.37 cm/s), reduced significantly. In the affected eyes, the end diastolic velocity of the central retinal artery was reduced and the pulsatility index was increased significantly, compared with the unaffected eyes and the control group. Compared with the control group, the peak systolic and end diastolic velocities of the ophthalmic artery were significantly reduced.


CONCLUSIONS
In conclusion, the findings assessed by colour-coded duplex sonography show a flow reduction in the central retinal vein and an increased arterial flow resistance in the retinal layer. There is good correlation with the angiographic results. Moreover, flow reductions in the ophthalmic artery, which are not seen in ophthalmological examinations, can be detected by this new examination technique.
Tacke
J
J
Klinik für Radiologische Diagnostik, RWTH Aachen.
Dick
A
A
Kutschbach
P
P
Vorwerk
D
D
Günther
R W
RW
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001783:Blood Flow Velocity; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009880:Ophthalmic Artery / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D012016:Reference Values; D012161:Retinal Artery / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology; D012169:Retinal Vein / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology; D012170:Retinal Vein Occlusion / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000503:physiopathology; D018615:Ultrasonography, Doppler, Color / Q000379:methods*; D018616:Ultrasonography, Doppler, Duplex