Patients with paracentral acute middle maculopathy (PAMM) warrant further investigation due to their potential increased risk of heart attacks and stroke, reported authors of a UK study. 

Researchers at Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust studied 78 patients with PAMM, a clinical sign of impaired blood supply to the macula. While half of them had forms of retinal vascular disease requiring further systemic investigation, the other half had a higher prevalence of cardiovascular disease and sickle cell disease.  

The research team noted a current lack of definitive and comprehensive guidance on the management of patients with PAMM lesions, particularly when they present in apparently healthy individuals. “Although the importance of retinal vascular changes is well known for detection and management of diseases such as diabetic retinopathy, the significance of such changes has not yet been established for PAMM,” they said.  

Since PAMM can be detected using OCT, researchers said their findings contribute to the emerging field of oculomics. “Our aim is to pave the way to formulating a robust management pathway to not only optimise patients’ vision but also their overall systemic health,” said co-lead author Dr Laxmi Raja. 

The full study was published in the American Journal of Ophthalmology.