Hypercoagulable state in a patient with a retinal vein occlusion

Retin Cases Brief Rep. 2011 Winter;5(1):76-8. doi: 10.1097/ICB.0b013e3181bcf1cd.

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to report unusual findings from a hypercoagu-lability workup of a patient with a retinal vein occlusion and to suggest the importance of investigating hypercoagulability in patients with similar presentations.

Methods: This is a retrospective case report of a patient seen in the clinic during a several-month period.

Results: The laboratory evaluation of the patient showed decreased antithrombin III activity and a prothrombin mutation, and platelet evaluation was consistent with sticky platelet syndrome.

Conclusion: It is important to take a detailed history and pursue the possibility of hypercoagulability as an etiology for retinal vein occlusion in patients outside the classic, younger age group. This can lead to prompt intervention and possible prevention of future thrombotic events.