During fundus fluorescein angiography, a patient with suspected anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (AION) shows delayed choroidal filling in the affected eye during the pre-arterial phase. This finding indicates pathology in which vascular structure?

• A Central retinal artery
• B Short posterior ciliary arteries ✓
• C Ophthalmic artery
• D Long posterior ciliary arteries

Explanation

The choroidal circulation is supplied by the short posterior ciliary arteries. Delayed choroidal filling in AION reflects ischemia of the optic nerve head supplied by the peripapillary choroidal circulation. Central retinal artery supplies the inner retina; ophthalmic artery supplies the entire eye; long posterior ciliary arteries supply the anterior segment.

Reference: Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 21st ed.

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Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.