Chronic ocular ischemia and neovascular glaucoma: a result of extracranial carotid artery disease

J Vasc Surg. 1988 Nov;8(5):551-7.

Abstract

Severe occlusive disease of the carotid artery may produce a rare syndrome of chronic ocular ischemia. Prolonged retinal hypoxia is associated with characteristic funduscopic changes and neovascularization of the iris, with subsequent obstruction of aqueous humor resorption. A case of neovascular glaucoma as a result of severe bilateral carotid occlusive disease and the pathophysiology involved are discussed. Definitive treatment consisted of carotid endarterectomy and aggressive control of intraocular pressure, including operative placement of a drainage implant in the anterior chamber of the eye. Seizure activity and an exacerbation of glaucoma developed after successful revascularization, exemplifying the derangements in cerebral and ocular function that may result from chronic hypoperfusion.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Arterial Occlusive Diseases / complications*
  • Arterial Occlusive Diseases / physiopathology
  • Arterial Occlusive Diseases / surgery
  • Carotid Artery Diseases / complications*
  • Carotid Artery Diseases / physiopathology
  • Carotid Artery Diseases / surgery
  • Carotid Artery, Internal / physiopathology
  • Carotid Artery, Internal / surgery
  • Chronic Disease
  • Eye / blood supply*
  • Female
  • Glaucoma, Neovascular / etiology*
  • Glaucoma, Neovascular / physiopathology
  • Glaucoma, Neovascular / surgery
  • Humans
  • Ischemia / etiology*
  • Ischemia / physiopathology
  • Ischemia / surgery
  • Middle Aged