Generalized arterial sclerosis is a common feature. In some patients, serum lipid abnormalities have been reported. In some patients, the Valsalva maneuver may be associated with an increased risk of hemorrhage. Blood pressure is likely to be elevated. Serum lipids may be elevated.
Blood glucose is likely in the reference range.
This test may be indicated to exclude undiagnosed diabetes in patients with exudative retinopathy in which the etiology is unclear. Fluorescein angiography is the most helpful imaging study for the diagnosis. Saccular dilation of the arteriolar wall is diagnostic of the disease. Late fluorescein leakage from within the areas of hemorrhage is characteristic of the aneurysms and may assist in the diagnosis when the vasculature is not visible on direct examination. Histologic studies of the macroaneurysm show a break in the arterial wall, surrounded by a laminated layer of fibrin-platelet clot and blood.