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Autoenucleation resulting in carotid thrombosis, subdural hemorrhage, stroke, and death

Julie M Rosenthal1, Jacqueline Carrasco, David W Rittenhouse

  • 1Retina Service, Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health and Sciences University, Portland, USA.

Orbit (Amsterdam, Netherlands)
|December 3, 2011
PubMed

Insights

A patient with schizoaffective disorder experienced fatal carotid thrombosis, subdural hemorrhage, and stroke after self-enucleating an eye. This case highlights a rare complication of autoenucleation.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Ophthalmology
  • Psychiatry

Background:

  • Schizoaffective disorder is a mental health condition characterized by symptoms of schizophrenia and a mood disorder.
  • Autoenucleation, the self-removal of an eyeball, is a rare and severe manifestation of psychiatric distress.

Observation:

  • A 46-year-old male patient diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder underwent autoenucleation of his left eye.
  • Following the procedure, the patient developed severe neurological complications.

Findings:

  • The patient suffered from carotid thrombosis, a condition where a blood clot forms in the carotid artery.
  • Subdural hemorrhage and stroke were also diagnosed, indicating significant cerebrovascular events.
  • The patient ultimately succumbed to these complications.

Implications:

  • This case represents the first documented instance of carotid thrombosis occurring as a direct result of autoenucleation.
  • The findings underscore the critical need for comprehensive medical and psychiatric management in patients with severe self-harm behaviors.
  • Further research is warranted to understand the pathophysiological mechanisms linking autoenucleation to vascular events.

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