White thread-like retinal arterioles associated with antiphospholipid antibody syndrome.

摘要

BACKGROUND: Report of 2 patients with antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (APS) who had elevated anti-beta2-glycoprotein I antibodies and showed white thread-like retinal arterioles. CASES: A complete ophthalmological examination was conducted on 2 patients who presented with blurred or distorted vision. Fluorescein angiography was used to examine the integrity of the retinal circulatory system. Laboratory blood studies were conducted. OBSERVATIONS: In both patients, some of the major retinal arterioles appeared white and had a thread-like appearance. Fluorescein angiography demonstrated progressive occlusion or stenosis of these major arterioles with extensive insufficiency of the regional capillary bed. Patient 2 had systemic lupus erythematosus and was treated with oral corticosteroid and aspirin. Recanalization occurred during a 3-year follow-up in one of the patients. CONCLUSIONS: APS should be considered in cases of white thread-like retinal arterioles. Occlusion of the retinal arterioles in APS may be progressive and responsible for the chronic hypoxia of the retina.