Retrobulbar hemodynamics in amaurosis fugax; investigation by color Doppler velocity

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of the study is to determine blood flow and resistance parameters (Resistance Index-RI, Pulsatility Index-PI) in the retrobulbar arteries of patients suffering from amaurosis fugax. Methods: Color Doppler velocity was used to measure blood flow velocity and vascular resistance in the ophthalmic artery, central retinal artery and lateral short posterior ciliary artery of 32 involved eyes in their afflictless interval. The patients' mean age was 60.1 years (range 29-85). The age- and sexmatched control group comprised 32 healthy volunteers (32 eyes). Results: There was no significant difference neither in RI nor in PI of amaurosis fugax patients compared to the control group. Conclusions: We conclude that in almost all cases of amaurosis fugax no local disturbance of blood flow in the afflictless interval is noted. However, increased vessel resistance is noticed in some cases of amaurosis fugax: Giant cell arteritis, intraorbital vascular anomalies, intraorbital tumors. In these cases color Doppler velocity is able to give information on the extent of blood flow disorder and, in particular by the B-mode, the etiology can be assumed.