Purpose: To determine C-reactive protein (CRP) levels in acute retinal artery occlusion (RAO) and their association with atherosclerotic risk factors.
Methods: CRP levels in 16 patients with RAO were compared with levels in 16 age-matched controls at risk of atherosclerosis and 16 young volunteers. Repeated CRP testing was performed 6 years later.
Results: Elevated CRP levels (>3 mg/l) and risk factors for atherosclerosis were detected in seven patients in the study group (44%) and nine at-risk controls (56%). On follow-up, CRP levels were reduced in all seven retested patients. Six patients died of vascular events within 5 years, of whom four had high CRP levels during RAO.
Conclusions: CRP level correlates with atherosclerosis but it is not significantly elevated in patients with RAO.