[The effect of plasmapheresis on the rheological properties of the blood in patients with thrombosis of the central retinal vein].
Central retinal vein occlusion is one of the most frequently encountered vascular affections of the retina. In spite of this its management is still a matter of debate. Histopathological findings have prompted us to conduct a study in patients presenting with central retinal vein occlusion (n = 63). Exposure to plasmapheresis as treatment of the above condition (1 to 3 sessions) resulted in a significant retardation of erythrocyte aggregation, decrease in fibrinogen concentration, and in the hematocrit value, and a prolongation of activated thromboplastin time. The results obtained suggest that plasmapheresis can be recommended for use in the treatment of central retinal vein occlusion.