Treatment of an avulsed retinal vessel with infrared diode laser photocoagulation.
OBJECTIVE
To report the use of the infrared diode laser with long-duration pulses to successfully treat a patient with recurrent vitreous hemorrhages due to an avulsed retinal arteriole.


METHODS
Interventional case report.


METHODS
A 70-year-old man presented with repeated, visually significant vitreous hemorrhages due to an avulsed retinal arteriole. Infrared diode laser photocoagulation with long-duration, large, overlapping spots was performed on either side of the avulsed segment.


RESULTS
Resolution of the hemorrhage occurred within 1 month, without further episodes of bleeding. Two-year follow-up with fluorescein angiography showed complete cessation of blood flow through the treated segment.


CONCLUSIONS
Infrared diode laser photocoagulation with long-duration pulses may be an effective, minimally invasive treatment of the avulsed retinal vessel syndrome.
Stewart
Michael W
MW
Department of Ophthalmology, Mayo Clinic Jacksonville, Jacksonville, Florida 32224, USA. stewart.michael@mayo.edu
D000368:Aged; D001160:Arterioles; D005451:Fluorescein Angiography; D006801:Humans; D017075:Laser Coagulation / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D012008:Recurrence; D012161:Retinal Artery / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D012167:Retinal Perforations / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D014823:Vitreous Hemorrhage / Q000209:etiology