Introduction
It follow from vascular occlusion, leading to areas of non-perfusion and consequentially, retinal neovascularisation, recurrent vitreous haemorrhage.
- Typically bilateral, and typically affecting young Indian males
Periphlebtitis pathophysiology:
- Type of vasculitis or inflammation of peripheral retinal vessels, which has partial obstruction that causes ischaemia
- Vascular sheathing also occurs, where white protein surrounds the vessels due to the exudation of inflammatory cells which then deposit on top.
Dead Giveaways
The most classical appearance is from the fundus image and the angiography
Fundus:
Note the vascular sheathing and fairly tortuous vessels, beading can be seen in some of these Flame haemorrhages can also be seen, which may be an indicator of possible BRVO
Angiography:
The Eale's disease on the left, and corresponding fluorescein angiography. Massive area of non-perfusion
diagnostic features
Neovascularisation may occur, and if it does, anti-VEGF is required, or the prognosis is poor
In the chronic stage, sheathing and sclerosis can be noted and often pigments can also be seen along venules
Visual prognosis a lot better if treated early with corticosteroids