An unusual cause of central retinal artery occlusion: acquired immunodeficiency syndrome

In patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), disturbances in the circulation of retinal vessels are mostly encountered at the microvascular level. Rarely observed large retinal vessel occlusions frequently affect retinal veins.

A 32-year-old woman was admitted to the authors' clinic with sudden loss of vision. Her clinical and ophthalmologic examinations and laboratory tests were carried out and the results were evaluated.

The patient's history revealed a diagnosis of AIDS established 5 years ago. Her corrected visual acuity was limited to light perception in the right eye and 20/60 in the left eye. There was afferent pupillary defect in the right eye. Posterior segment examination demonstrated central retinal artery occlusion in the right eye and cotton-wool spots in the left eye. The clinical examination and laboratory test results did not reveal any comorbid disease state that can contribute to this presentation.

As thrombi may develop in patients with human immunodeficiency virus infection, they should be closely followed up for the development of vasoocclusive disease.