Clinical Significance of Retinal Emboli During Diagnostic and Therapeutic Cardiac Catheterization
Clinical Significance of Retinal Emboli During Diagnostic and Therapeutic Cardiac Catheterization
Retinal emboli is a common phenomenon in cardiac catheterization. In this study the
 investigators evaluate the incidence of retinal emboli post diagnostic and therapeutic
 cardiac catheterization over 300 patients. The incidence was 6.3% and had no clinical sequel
 on visual acuity and visual field.
Background and Purpose Cardiac catheterization may cause retinal embolization, a risk factor
 for cerebrovascular emboli and stroke. We describe the incidence of clinically silent and
 apparent retinal emboli following diagnostic and interventional coronary catheterization and
 associated risk factors.

 Methods Three hundred selected patients attending a tertiary referral center for diagnostic
 and therapeutic cardiac catheterization were studied. Direct retinal examination and
 examination of the visual field and acuity were done before and after catheterization by a
 retinal specialist.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  every patient with diagnostic and therapeutic cardiac catheterization

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  patient refusal to follow up ophthalmology

 -  abscence of coronary disease in angiogram

 -  abnormal retinal angiogram prior to study