LARGE RETINAL VEIN DIAMETER MAY INDICATE SYSTEMIC INFLAMMATION

By Dr. Kevin -
This study in this month's Archives of Ophthalmology suggests that there is an association between increased retinal vein diameter and systemic inflammation, indicated by higher C-reactive protein, interleukin 6, and amyloid A levels. The study concludes:
"These data show an association of inflammatory markers with larger retinal venular diameter, suggesting that retinal venular caliber may be a marker of systemic inflammation."
Perhaps larger retinal vein diamter is something to look for in patients with unusual symptoms that may indicate, for example, giant cell arteritis.

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