LARGE RETINAL VEIN DIAMETER MAY INDICATE SYSTEMIC INFLAMMATION

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.