In hypertensive retinopathy, AV nicking occurs due to what mechanism?

In hypertensive retinopathy, AV nicking occurs due to what mechanism?

• A. Venous compression at the arterial-venous junction due to increased arterial pressure
• B. Arterial occlusion
• C. Inflammation of optic nerve
• D. Retinal detachment

Answer: (A)

AV nicking arises from hypertensive changes in retinal arterioles. Long-standing high blood pressure causes hyaline arteriolosclerosis, making arteries thick and stiff. At a point where an artery crosses a vein, the rigid artery presses on the adjacent vein, narrowing it and producing the characteristic nick or tapering seen on exam. This mechanism is due to compressive interaction at the arteriovenous crossing, not arterial occlusion, optic nerve inflammation, or retinal detachment.

AV nicking arises from hypertensive changes in retinal arterioles. Long-standing high blood pressure causes hyaline arteriolosclerosis, making arteries thick and stiff. At a point where an artery crosses a vein, the rigid artery presses on the adjacent vein, narrowing it and producing the characteristic nick or tapering seen on exam. This mechanism is due to compressive interaction at the arteriovenous crossing, not arterial occlusion, optic nerve inflammation, or retinal detachment.