Retinal vessel caliber and risk factors for branch retinal vein occlusion.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the association between retinal vessel caliber and risk factors for branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO).


METHODS
We included 10,890 participants who underwent a health checkup at Kangbuk Samsung Hospital between January 2006 and December 2006. BRVO was diagnosed from retinal photographs taken for both eyes. Retinal vascular caliber measurements were performed using a computer-assisted program. Risk factors were assessed based on a patient-answered questionnaire and laboratory investigations. Logistic regression analyses were performed to identify potential risk factors for BRVO.


RESULTS
The overall prevalence of BRVO was 0.8%. Among all BRVO patients, the mean central retinal artery equivalent (CRAE) was 142.59 µm (±14.63 µm), and the mean central retinal vein equivalent (CRVE) was 203.46 µm (±18.84 µm). The mean CRAE and CRVE of the control eyes were 148.15 µm (± 15.89 µm) and 211.12 µm (±18.54 µm), respectively. There were significant differences in mean CRAE and CRVE between the control group and the BRVO group (P < 0.05). Arterial hypertension was an important risk factor for BRVO (OR: 1.02 (1.01-1.03).


CONCLUSIONS
Eyes with BRVO had narrow CRAE and CRVE when compared with age- and gender-matched normal eyes. Generalized attenuation of retinal vessel caliber may be characteristic of eyes with BRVO. Emphasis on blood pressure control is needed for the prevention of BRVO.
Department of Ophthalmology, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, Seoul, Korea.
Dong Ju
DJ
Youm
Man Mook
MM
Ha
Yoosoo
Y
Chang
Su Jeong
SJ
Song
D000368:Aged; D003936:Diagnosis, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D011379:Prognosis; D056910:Republic of Korea / Q000453:epidemiology; D012170:Retinal Vein Occlusion / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D012171:Retinal Vessels / Q000473:pathology*; D042262:Retinoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires