Non-ophthalmologic etiologic factors at the origin of retinal vein occlusion: a retrospective study of 24 patients.

Purpose. - Retinal vein occlusion has several causes. Cardiovascular risk f actors, particularly systemic hypertension, as well as thrombophilia appear to be involved in the development of retinal vein occlusion. Methods. - in a retrospective study we analyzed these factors in 24 patient s, admitted for retinal Vein occlusion and isovolaemic hemodilution in an i nfernal medicine unit Results. - In patients over 50 years of age, cardiovascular risk factors pr edominate; while in patients under 50, one patient out of two has biologica l features indicating a risk for thrombosis. Conclusion. - Serological abnormalities could be involved in the physiopath ology of retinal vein occlusion in young patients. (C) 2000 Editions scient ifiques et medicales Elsevier SAS.