Abnormal blood viscosity and filterability in retinal vein occlusion

Abstract

Haemorheological factors were studied in 30 patients affected by retinal vein occlusion (RVO) and in 25 control subjects. Whole blood viscosity, plasma viscosity, fibrinogen and haematocrit were increased in RVO patients compared with controls. Blood filterability was reduced in RVO patients compared with controls. However, when evaluating the type of capillaropathy at fluorescein angiography, blood and plasma viscosities were altered both in patients with evidence of capillary non perfusion and in patients without such complication. Reduction of blood filterability showed statistical significance only in patients with capillary non perfusion. This finding suggests that reduced blood filterability might be a causal factor in the development of capillary non perfusion in RVO patients.