Changes in retrobulbar blood flow in various diseases according to ultrasonic doppler data. review article

Aim – an assessment and systematization of possible changes in ultrasound Doppler imaging of retrobulbar vessels in various pathologies. To our knowledge, this is the first review of its kind. Materials and Methods. We selected 65 studies from open sources containing information on hemodynamic changes in retrobulbar vessels in various diseases. Results. One of the diagnostic challenges is the ability of ultrasound Doppler to detect retrobulbar blood flow disturbances and their causes. We collected data on blood flow changes in various diseases and systematized the results. Retrobulbar hemodynamic changes in diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, retinitis pigmentosa, radiation exposure, and thyroid disease are unidirectional and lead to a decrease in linear blood flow velocities with a corresponding increase in the resistance index. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and bronchial asthma, on the other hand, lead to a compensatory increase in blood flow velocities due to hypoxia. Some of the most significant changes in retrobulbar blood flow observed are those associated with severe atherosclerosis, where unilateral changes and retrograde blood flow in the ophthalmic artery can be observed. Increased vascular resistance can be significant in the development of diseases such as cataracts. Conclusions. It is difficult to clearly identify blood flow disturbances (especially with minor deviations from normal) due to the combination of various causes of blood flow changes, as well as the simultaneous action of multiple factors, which likely complement and aggravate each other. It is worth considering the concept that blood flow characteristics are a derivative of the combined, cumulative effect of all these factors.