Nettleship collaterals: circumpapillary cilioretinal anastomoses after occlusion of the central retinal artery

Br J Ophthalmol. 1992 Mar;76(3):186-8. doi: 10.1136/bjo.76.3.186.

Abstract

In extremely rare cases, after occlusion of the central retinal artery, a complete ring of peripapillary anastomotic channels develops. One such case is described and a proposed term given to these channels--'Nettleship collaterals'--after the man who first described them. These collaterals are dilated pathways within the terminal capillary networks of the posterior ciliary arteries and the branches of the central retinal artery. Formation of the channels is believed to be promoted by prelaminar obstruction of the central retinal artery.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Ciliary Body / blood supply
  • Collateral Circulation / physiology*
  • Female
  • Fluorescein Angiography
  • Humans
  • Retinal Artery Occlusion / pathology
  • Retinal Artery Occlusion / physiopathology*
  • Retinal Vessels / pathology