AAION is a severe ocular side effect secondary to GCA and primarily targets which arteries?

Prepare for the NBEO Systemic Disease Exam. Use flashcards and multiple-choice questions to test your knowledge. Each question includes hints and explanations. Enhance your understanding and readiness for the exam.

AAION, or Arteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy, is a condition that arises due to inflammation of the arteries supplying the optic nerve, specifically as a result of Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA). This inflammation leads to a significant reduction in blood flow, which can cause damage to the optic nerve and, consequently, vision loss.

In the context of AAION, the primary target is the short posterior ciliary arteries. These arteries are crucial as they provide blood supply to the optic nerve head and are particularly susceptible to the effects of inflammation associated with GCA. When these arteries become compromised due to the inflammatory process, it results in ischemia of the optic nerve, leading to the symptoms of AAION.

Understanding this pathology highlights the importance of early recognition and treatment of GCA to prevent vision loss. While the other arteries mentioned may play roles in the overall vascular supply to the eye, they are not the primary vessels affected in the case of AAION related to GCA. The short posterior ciliary arteries are specifically related to this ocular condition due to their direct supply to the optic nerve.

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