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retinal neovascularization
Etiology:
- central retinal neovascularization
- diabetic retinopathy
- macular degeneration
- retinal vein occlusion
- radiation
- peripheral retinal neovascularization
- sickle cell disease
- retinopathy of prematurity
Pathology:
- retinal ischemia induces aberrant angiogenesis
- veseels lack the bifurcating pattern of normal vessels
- vessels bleed spontaneously or with minimal trauma
- hemorrhage into the retina & into the interface between the retina & vitreous
- formation of fibrovascular stalks which induce vitreous contraction which pulls the vitreous away from the retina
- eventually, retinal detachment occurs
- blindness may result
Special laboratory:
- ophthalmoscopy
- tangle of blood vessels on the retinal surface
- retinal hemorrhage
Management:
- control of precipitating factors
- retinal photocoagulation for diabetic retinopathyt
- intravitreal treatment with bevacizumab (Avastin) has been used for treatment of wet macular degeneration
General
angiogenesis (neovascularization, NV)
retinal disease
References
- American Academy of Opthalmology: Retinal neovascularization
http://www.aao.org/theeyeshaveit/optic-fundus/retinal-neovascularization.cfm
- Patronas M et al
Treating Neovascular Peripheral Retinal Diseases.
http://www.retinalphysician.com/articleviewer.aspx?articleID=102207