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Interventional Diagnostic Procedure: A Practical Guide for the Assessment of Coronary Vascular Function
10:28

Interventional Diagnostic Procedure: A Practical Guide for the Assessment of Coronary Vascular Function

Published on: March 15, 2022

[Embolic central retinal artery occlusion as a complication of percutaneous coronary angioplasty--case report]

Paweł Kraśnicki1, Ewa Proniewska-Skretek, Zofia Mariak

  • 1Z Kliniki Okulistyki Akademii Medycznej w Białymstoku.

Klinika Oczna
|August 2, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) can rarely cause vision loss due to retinal artery occlusion. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent permanent vision decrease after PCI procedures.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Cardiology
  • Interventional Cardiology

Background:

  • Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is a common procedure for coronary heart disease (CHD).
  • Ophthalmic complications following PCI are infrequently reported.
  • Central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) is a serious ophthalmic emergency.

Observation:

  • A case of a 78-year-old patient experiencing sudden vision disturbances in the right eye post-coronary angiography and angioplasty with stent implantation.
  • Ophthalmic examination revealed signs consistent with central retinal artery occlusion.
  • Despite prompt treatment, visual function in the affected eye did not recover.

Findings:

  • The diagnosis of central retinal artery occlusion was confirmed via Color Doppler ultrasonography of the ophthalmic vasculature.
  • Photographic documentation supported the diagnostic findings.
  • The event highlights a rare but significant complication associated with PCI.

Implications:

  • Immediate ophthalmological evaluation is essential for patients reporting vision changes during or after PCI.
  • Timely intervention for retinal vessel embolism may mitigate permanent vision loss.
  • Increased awareness among cardiologists and ophthalmologists regarding this potential complication is warranted.

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