Clinical Characteristics of Retinal Arterial Macroaneurysms

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To determine the clinical features of retinal arterial macroaneurysm (RAM). METHODS: Clinical characteristics of RAM, and its managements and results were evaluated. RESULTS: Of a total of 17 patients (17 eyes), 11 patients were women and 12 were over seventh decade. Mean follow-up period was 9.2 months. Hypertension was associated in 6 patients. Single aneurysm was temporally located in 15 eyes, which was along the temporal vascular arcade. It was on the arteriovenous crossing site in 8 eyes and followed retinal branch vein occlusion in 4 eyes. Aneurysms were located nasally in 2 eyes. Type was hemorrhagic in 15 eyes and exudative in 2 eyes. Pars plana vitrectomy was performed in 5 eyes and intraocular gas was injected in 2 eyes. Photocoagulation was performed directly in 2 eyes and indirectly in 3 eyes. Five eyes received no special managements. Visual acuity was less than 0.1 in 11 eyes and 0.3 or better in 4 on the initial visit, and less than 0.1 in 1 eyes and 0.3 or better in 10 on the final visit. Twelve eyes showed visual improvement of 2 lines or more. CONCLUSIONS: RAM usually develops along the temporal vascular arcade and induces visual disturbance due to hemorrhage and exudate. However, visual prognosis is relatively good.