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A Murine Model of Ischemic Retinal Injury Induced by Transient Bilateral Common Carotid Artery Occlusion
Published on: November 12, 2020
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Retinal neovascularization after internal carotid artery occlusion
Tushar M Ranchod1, Kimberley A Drenser, Bruce R Garretson
1From the Associated Retinal Consultants, Royal Oak, Michigan.
Retinal Cases & Brief Reports
|November 13, 2014
Summary
Retinal neovascularization can occur years after carotid-cavernous fistula treatment. Surgical ligation of the internal carotid artery may lead to this rare ocular complication.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Vascular Surgery
- Neurology
Background:
- Carotid-cavernous fistulas are abnormal connections between the carotid artery and the cavernous sinus.
- Treatment options include embolization and surgical ligation.
- Ocular complications can arise from these conditions and their treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a case of retinal neovascularization following surgical ligation of the internal carotid artery.
- To highlight a potential long-term complication of treating direct carotid-cavernous fistula.
Main Methods:
- Case report detailing a patient's presentation and treatment.
- Review of the patient's history of carotid-cavernous fistula and subsequent surgical intervention.
- Description of the ophthalmological examination and management of retinal neovascularization.
Main Results:
- A 44-year-old woman developed unilateral retinal neovascularization and vitreous hemorrhage.
- The patient had undergone surgical ligation of the internal carotid artery 14 years prior for a carotid-cavernous fistula.
- Vitrectomy with retinal ablation and cryotherapy was performed for the vitreous hemorrhage.
Conclusions:
- Retinal neovascularization is a potential sequela of internal carotid artery occlusion, even years after treatment for carotid-cavernous fistula.
- This case underscores the importance of long-term ophthalmic monitoring in patients with a history of carotid-cavernous fistula treated with arterial ligation.

