Thrombophilia and vascular risk factors in retinal vein occlusion

The importance of vascular risk factors (VRF) and hypercoagulable state in patients with retinal vein occlusion (RVO) has not been conclusively established. To analyze the relevance of VRF, prevalence of thrombophilia, and ultrasonography findings in the supra-aortic trunks in patients with RVO. A prospective study was performed of all the patients diagnosed of RVO referred to an Internal Medicine clinic. The clinical, laboratory (including a thrombophilia panel) and ultrasonographic variables were analyzed. A total of 98 patients (56 men, 42 women) mean age 66 years, were studied. Hypertension and dyslipidemia were the most prevalent VRF. Of these, 24% had hyperhomocysteinemia and atherosclerotic plaques were detected in the supra-aortic trunks in 48%. RVO was peripheral in 69 and central in 29. Genetic thrombophilia was detected in 13% and it was acquired in 9%. Thrombophilia was observed in 50% of subjects aged