C-reactive protein levels do not correlate with retinal artery occlusion but with atherosclerosis.
OBJECTIVE
To determine C-reactive protein (CRP) levels in acute retinal artery occlusion (RAO) and their association with atherosclerotic risk factors.


METHODS
CRP levels in 16 patients with RAO were compared with levels in 16 age-matched controls at risk of atherosclerosis and 16 young volunteers. Repeated CRP testing was performed 6 years later.


RESULTS
Elevated CRP levels (>3 mg/l) and risk factors for atherosclerosis were detected in seven patients in the study group (44%) and nine at-risk controls (56%). On follow-up, CRP levels were reduced in all seven retested patients. Six patients died of vascular events within 5 years, of whom four had high CRP levels during RAO.


CONCLUSIONS
CRP level correlates with atherosclerosis but it is not significantly elevated in patients with RAO.
Department of Ophthalmology, Rabin Medical Center, Beilinson Campus, Petah Tiqwa, Israel. ncohen1@gmail.com
N
N
Goldenberg-Cohen
Y
Y
Cohen
Y
Y
Monselise
I
I
Eldar
R
R
Axer-Siegel
D
D
Weinberger
M
M
Kramer
D000208:Acute Disease; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D050197:Atherosclerosis / Q000097:blood* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000401:mortality; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000032:analysis*; D002339:Carotid Arteries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D015150:Echocardiography, Doppler; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015356:Retinal Artery Occlusion / Q000097:blood*; D012307:Risk Factors; D055815:Young Adult
D015415:Biomarkers; D002097:C-Reactive Protein