[Value of measurements of blood flow velocity in central retinal artery in thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy].

OBJECTIVE

To study the clinical values of measurement of blood flow velocity in central retinal artery in thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO).

METHODS

Thirty normal subjects without any thyroid disorders or any eye abnormalities were assigned into the control group, and 30 TAO patients were assigned into the TAO group. Color Doppler ultrasonography was done to measure the blood flow velocity in central retinal artery. Measurement results were compared between these two groups.

RESULTS

The peak systolic velocity and end diastolic velocity of blood flow were significantly lower in TAO group (P < 0.001), while the resistance index significantly increased (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Measurement of blood flow velocity in central retinal artery with Color Doppler ultrasonography is an easy and useful way to appraise the hemodynamics of the central retinal artery in TAO patients.