Purpose
To analyze the relationship of retinal artery occlusion(RAO) with the white blood cell(WBC) count and inflammatory diseases away from the eyes.
Methods
Ninety-fours patients with retinal artery occlusion were studied retrospectively.The patients were divided into 2 groups,one of which with inflammatory diseases,the other without.An age and sex matched control group was made.
Results
Fifty four(58%) cases had inflammatory diseases of various causes at the same time,among which only 14(26%) cases directly involved the eyes.WBC count was significantly higher after the occurrence of RAO(Plt;0.05),comparing with that of the control group.
Conclusion
Inflammatory diseases away from the eyes may be oneof the factors causing RAO.The increased WBC count may be an inflammatory reaction to RAO.
(Chin J Ocul Fundus Dis,1998,14:159-161)
