Essential thrombocythemia and central retinal vein occlusion with neovascular glaucoma

Am J Ophthalmol. 1996 Jun;121(6):728-30. doi: 10.1016/s0002-9394(14)70649-x.

Abstract

Purpose: We report a case of unilateral central retinal vein occlusion resulting from essential thrombocythemia, a rare myeloproliferative disorder with abnormally increased platelet count.

Methods: A 59-year-old man had central retinal vein occlusion in the left eye as the initial sign of essential thrombocythemia. He later developed neovascular glaucoma and optic disk neovascularization.

Results: Laser panretinal photocoagulation, goniophotocoagulation, glaucoma medications, and control of the platelet count were effective treatment.

Conclusions: Early thrombocythemia is associated with systemic and ocular thrombotic and embolic complications. Early diagnosis, recognition of ocular complications, and appropriate treatment were crucial in controlling central retinal vein occlusion and ocular neovascularization associated with essential thrombocythemia.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / therapeutic use
  • Antisickling Agents / therapeutic use
  • Aspirin / therapeutic use
  • Bone Marrow / pathology
  • Fluorescein Angiography
  • Fundus Oculi
  • Glaucoma, Neovascular / etiology*
  • Glaucoma, Neovascular / pathology
  • Glaucoma, Neovascular / therapy
  • Humans
  • Hydroxyurea / therapeutic use
  • Intraocular Pressure
  • Laser Coagulation
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neovascularization, Pathologic / etiology
  • Optic Disk / blood supply
  • Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Platelet Count
  • Retinal Vein Occlusion / etiology*
  • Retinal Vein Occlusion / pathology
  • Retinal Vein Occlusion / therapy
  • Thrombocythemia, Essential / complications*
  • Thrombocythemia, Essential / pathology
  • Thrombocythemia, Essential / therapy
  • Timolol / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Adrenergic beta-Antagonists
  • Antisickling Agents
  • Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors
  • Timolol
  • Aspirin
  • Hydroxyurea