Sentinel central retinal artery occlusion: a forme fruste of idiopathic renal infarction

Central retinal artery occlusion is one of the most challenging practices and is not an infrequent presentation at the emergency department. We describe a 46-year-old man presenting with abrupt onset of amaurosis fugax secondary to sentinel central retinal artery occlusion followed by acute idiopathic renal infarction. This patient highlights that the preceding visual events could portend a devastating thromboembolic insult in the clinical setting. Early recognition with prompt treatment may preserve organ function, avoid unnecessary management, and prevent debilitating complication.