Simultaneous multiple branch retinal artery occlusions after diagnostic cardiac catheterization

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Cardiology
• Vascular Medicine

Background:

• Diagnostic cardiac catheterization is a common procedure.
• Retinal artery occlusions can lead to vision loss.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report an extremely rare case of multiple branch retinal artery occlusions.
• To highlight a potential complication following cardiac catheterization.

Main Methods:

• Case report of a 53-year-old man.
• Ophthalmoscopic, angiographic, and laboratory evaluations were performed.
• Diagnosis confirmed by funduscopy and fluorescein angiography.

Main Results:

• Simultaneous multiple branch retinal artery occlusions in the left eye.
• Mildly positive relative afferent pupillary defect in the left eye.
• No other significant ocular findings besides bilateral nuclear cataract.

Conclusions:

• Cholesterol embolus is a rare cause of branch retinal artery occlusions post-cardiac catheterization.
• Visual symptoms after cardiac catheterization warrant prompt ophthalmological and cardiological evaluation.
• This case underscores the importance of recognizing rare post-procedural complications.