Myelinated nerve fibers associated with cilioretinal artery occlusion

Athough the myelinated nerve fibers are considered as benign, cases associa ted with retinal vascular abnormalities (telangiectasis, neovascularization , vascular occlusions) have recently been reported, suggesting a possible p athogenic correlation between these elements. Our observation presents a 44 -year-old patient, with a sudden decrease of visual acuity in the right eye , discal and peridiscal myelinated nerve fibers, associated with cilioretin al artery occlusion. The general clinical and laboratory examination; except for a drug stabiliz ed arterial hypertension, did not reveal other local or general embolic fac tors. One year later, the decrease in visual acuity had remained unchanged and the area of the myelinated-nerve fibers had diminished. Based on the as sociation between the myelinated nerve fibers, the cilioretinal artery occl usion, the young age of the patient, and the absence of other local or gene ral embolic factor, we consider there is a possible pathogenic correlation between these elements. The action of the myelinated nerve fibers can be ex plained by a mechanical compression, with the disruption of the cilioretina l artery route, a structurally vulnerable artery.