Anterior segment ischemia and retinochoroidal vascular occlusion after intralesional steroid injection

A 19-year-old woman was admitted with sudden severe pain and loss of light perception that began immediately after eyelid injection of the depot form of corticosteroid. Ecchymosis of the lower eyelid, corneal edema, and a fixed dilated pupil were noted. Fundus examination could not be performed because of corneal edema. Embolic material packed in the episcleral vessels was detected. With these findings, the diagnosis was anterior and posterior segment ischemia. Despite administration of an intravenous hyperosmotic agent, in addition to topical and systemic pulse corticosteroid (1.0 g/day), vision was not recovered. The most serious complication of intralesional injection of corticosteroid is vascular occlusion. This catastrophic complication after intralesional steroid injection should prompt immediate ophthalmoscopic fundus examination to allow early recognition of ischemic signs and immediate intervention.