Retinal embolic events: frequency and impact following transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) for aortic stenosis. Issue 1 (5th July 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Fusi-Rubiano, William J; Yang, Yit C; Smallwood, Andrew F; Chavan, Randhir C; Khogali, Saib; Narendran, Nirodhini; Cotton, James M
• Is Part Of: BMJ open ophthalmology. Volume 1:Issue 1(2016)
• Publication Date: 2017-07-05
• Subjects: retina -- imaging; Ophthalmology -- Periodicals; 617.7005
• DOI: 10.1136/bmjophth-2016-000033
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2397-3269

Abstract

Abstract : Objectives: Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is an established treatment for patients with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis. It has a cerebrovascular accident rate of about 5% but the effect on retinal embolic events has not been previously reported. This study investigated the occurrence of retinal emboli following TAVI. Methods and analysis: In this prospective observational study, 20 patients underwent full ophthalmic examination to assess retinal embolic events prior to TAVI and at 48 hours and 1 month post-TAVI. Results: At 48 hours post-TAVI, one patient had a new cotton wool spot in the right eye. At 1 month, another two patients had new retinal emboli events in at least one eye and a fourth patient developed retinal splinter haemorrhages in the right eye. Conclusion: Retinal embolic events and new retinal abnormalities following TAVI occurred in 15% and 20% of our cohort, respectively, without any associated retinal damage or significant visual problems. Retinal evaluation may be a useful surrogate test for cerebral embolisation in future studies assessing the utility of new valve prostheses and embolic protection devices