Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion (BRVO)

Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion (BRVO)
  • Together with CRVO is the second most common cause of retinal vascular disturbance.
  • Commonly occurs in elderly and/or as a manifestatioin of hypertensive retinopathy.

Clinical Features

  • Symptoms: various degree of decreased vision
  • Signs:
    • More often occurs at the arteriovenous intersection in the superotemporal quadrant
    • Segmental intraretinal hemorrhage can be easily observed in acute phase
    • The proximal tip of the hemorrhage is usually the proximate location of the occluded vein
    • Cotton wool spots
    • Retinal edema
    • Commonly present with subretinal or vitreous hemorrhage
    • Occasionally associated with cystoid macular edema
    • Dilated and increased tortuosity of the branched vein distal to the occlusion in the chronic phase
    • The presence of collateral vessels around the involved segment can be observed in chronic BRVO

Treatment

  • Laser photocoagulation in selected cases.
Branch retinal vein occlusion is involving the superior temporal quadrant.