Aneurysms on new-form1ed pre-papillary and pre-retinal vessels in proliferative diabetic retinopathy

Abstract

Among 25 patients suffering from proliferative diabetic retinopathy, ophthal-moscopy and slit-lamp microscopy revealed aneurysm-like dilatations on new-formed pre-retinal and pre-papillary vessels in twelve cases (13 eyes). These dilatations, which were either saccular or spindle-shaped, occurred on naked vessels without accompanying connective tissue in ten of the eyes, mostly in the peripheral parts of the vessels and in the bends. The frequency of aneurysms on new-formed vessels in the vitreous body is thus considerably higher in proliferative diabetic retinopathy than has so far been assumed. Aneurysms are not, however, specific for diabetes, but seem to be common to all vessels invading avascular tissue.