[Warfarin potassium for impending central retinal vein occlusion].

OBJECTIVE

We reviewed the records of 10 patients who had impending central retinal vein occlusion in order judge whether anticoagulant treatment with warfarin potassium (Warfarin) was indicated.

METHODS

6 men and 4 women, ranging in age from 25 to 83 (average 55) years were studied.

RESULTS

Of 6 eyes, retinal hemorrhage disappeared completely within 6 months. Four patients whose visual acuity was 0.1 or less at one month needed photocoagulation. Four other patients whose late venous circulation time at fluorescein angiography improved within 30 seconds had good visual prognosis, 3 eyes of 4 patients aged 65 or older were not successful in regaining their visual acuity.

CONCLUSIONS

Warfarin was not effective for patients who had clearly lost their visual acuity and the elderly in this series. Late venous circulation time at fluorescein angiography was a useful index for this treatment.