Fluorescein Angiography in Central Retinal Artery Occlusion

Abstract

Patients with central retinal artery occlusion studied by fluorescein fundus angiography revealed remarkable slowing of dye flow. The single instance of total obstruction showed retrograde venous filling from disc capillaries. "Segmentation" of the stagnant blood imparts an easily detectable granular appearance to the fluorescent column, caused by absorption of fluorescence by the red blood cells. Dye flowed swiftly through the unobstructed cilioretinal arteries and in one instance retrograde filling of a branch of a central retinal artery was demonstrated. Capillary supply to the disc may be demonstrated by fluorescein contrast when not appreciable on direct examination. Accurate timing of the sequence of dye filling should be useful in the evaluation of some of the many therapies recommended in acute central retinal artery occlusion.