Sheathotomy without separation of venule overlying arteriole at occlusion site in uncommon branch retinal vein occlusion

Abstract

Two cases of uncommon branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) with vein overlying artery at occlusion site that can be found in less than 1 % who underwent retinal venule sheathotomy without separation of retinal vessel for decompression of BRVO were reported. Both patients had macular hemorrhage, edema, and area of macular capillary nonperfusion. Visual acuity (VA) worsened to 6/60 in both cases. The retinal venules were dissected around the crossing site without separation of retinal vessels. Intraoperative dilation, pulsation and restoration of downstream blood flow of the involved venules were observed. In the first patient, at 1 day, 2 weeks, and 6 weeks postoperatively, VA improved to 6/36, 6/9, and 6/6, respectively, and remained unchanged at 12 months postoperatively. In the second patient, VA improved to 6/24 on the first day postoperatively and improved to 6/18 at 1 week follow up and continuously improved to nearly normal at 2 months postoperatively then patient lost contact. Postoperative fundus fluorescein angiogram showed dilated and improved perfusion with decreased macular edema in both cases. Optical coherent tomography confirmed remarkable reduction of retinal thickness (from 874 microns preoperatively to 420 microns at 1 week postoperatively) in the second patient. Retinal venule sheathotomy without separation of retinal vessel for decompression of BRVO with venule overlying arteriole at occlusion site could be effective for improving VA and decreased macular edema.