Is routine retinal examination useful in patients with acute ischemic stroke?
OBJECTIVE
Patients with ischemic stroke have a high prevalence of hypertension and diabetes, which are major risk factors for potentially blinding retinal diseases. We studied the prevalence of retinal diseases, and the need for an ophthalmology referral, among persons with acute ischemic stroke.


METHODS
We conducted a prospective study of 300 consecutive patients with acute ischemic stroke. Retinal photographs were taken and assessed in a masked fashion. Patients were advised and referred if they required an ophthalmology evaluation.


RESULTS
Of the 286 patients with gradable photographs, retinal abnormalities were detected in 59%. Ophthalmology evaluation was advised for 3% of patients on an urgent basis and 28% on a nonurgent basis and resulted in either acute treatment or active follow-up for all who were subsequently reviewed.


CONCLUSIONS
Patients with acute ischemic stroke have a high prevalence of retinal abnormalities. This study suggests that a routine retinal examination may provide an opportunity to detect potentially vision-threatening retinal diseases.
De Silva
Deidre A
DA
Wong
Tien Y
TY
Chang
Hui-Meng
HM
Ng
Bee-Fang
BF
Tikellis
Gabriella
G
Saw
Seang Mei
SM
Woon
Fung-Peng
FP
Chen
Christopher P L H
CP
Wong
Meng-Cheong
MC
D000208:Acute Disease; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002545:Brain Ischemia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D003941:Diagnostic Techniques, Ophthalmological; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008485:Medical Audit; D008875:Middle Aged; D010781:Photography; D015995:Prevalence; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D012164:Retinal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology*; D012307:Risk Factors; D020521:Stroke / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*