Optical Coherence Tomography Findings in Central Retinal Artery Occlusion

This article describes optical coherence tomography (OCT) findings in patients with central retinal artery occlusion by conducting a retrospective review of two cases. Central retinal artery occlusion shows a distinct pattern on OCT images. In the acute phase, OCT images demonstrate the increased reflectivity and thickness of the inner retina and a corresponding decrease of reflectivity in the outer layer of the retina and retinal pigment epithelium/choriocapillaris layer. Follow-up OCT images demonstrate a decrease in the reflectivity and thickness of the inner retinal layers and a corresponding increase of reflectivity in the outer retina and retinal pigment epithelium/choriocapillaris layer compared with the baseline OCT image, suggesting a generalized atrophy of the neurosensory retina as a late finding. Therefore, the use of OCT may help facilitate prompt recognition of acute and chronic central retinal artery occlusion. [ Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging 2006;37:502-505.] AUTHORS From the Department of Ophthalmology (SMF), University of Colorado, Denver, Colorado; and the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences (MSI, BAB, JBG), University of Wisconsin Medical School, Madison, Wisconsin. Accepted for publication May 10, 2006. Address reprint requests to Suzanne M. Falkenberry, MD, University of Colorado, Rocky Mountain Lions Eye Institute, 1675 Ursula Street, Suite 3012, P. O. Box 6510, Mailstop F731, Aurora, CO 80045-0510.