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Published on: July 5, 2024
Sleep-induced amaurosis fugax
1Department of Surgery, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT 06030-3955, USA.
Journal of Vascular Surgery
|July 5, 2011
Summary
Amaurosis fugax, a cause of transient vision loss, typically occurs when awake. This case highlights a rare instance where symptoms began during sleep, followed by vision loss, successfully treated by carotid endarterectomy.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neurology
- Vascular Surgery
Background:
- Amaurosis fugax is a transient monocular vision loss linked to retinal ischemia.
- It is commonly associated with carotid atherosclerotic disease.
- Typical mechanisms include thromboembolic or hemodynamic factors during wakefulness.
Observation:
- This report details an atypical case of amaurosis fugax presenting during sleep.
- The patient experienced photopsias (positive visual symptoms) that initiated awakening.
- This was immediately followed by transient monocular vision loss.
Findings:
- The patient's symptoms originated during sleep, a deviation from the usual presentation.
- Positive visual phenomena preceded the vision loss.
- Carotid endarterectomy proved to be a curative intervention.
Implications:
- This case expands the understanding of amaurosis fugax symptom presentation.
- It underscores the importance of considering sleep-onset symptoms in diagnosing transient vision loss.
- Effective surgical management for carotid artery disease remains crucial.
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