Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 7, 2026
A Murine Model of Ischemic Retinal Injury Induced by Transient Bilateral Common Carotid Artery Occlusion
Published on: November 12, 2020
Light-induced Hemiplegia, an Atypical Case of Retinal Steal Syndrome
David Kerek1, Sami Al Kasab, Michael U Antonucci
1Departments of *Neurology †Radiology ‡Neurosurgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC.
Insights
Carotid artery atherosclerosis can lead to ischemic stroke. This study details an unusual collateral flow pattern via the ophthalmic artery, causing a unique retinal steal phenomenon in stroke patients.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Vascular Biology
- Medical Case Reports
Background:
- Atherosclerosis in carotid arteries is a significant cause of ischemic stroke.
- Collateral circulation patterns influence the clinical outcomes of atherosclerotic occlusive disease.
- The Circle of Willis, leptomeningeal, and extracranial-intracranial collaterals are key compensatory pathways.
Abstract:
Atherosclerosis affecting the carotid arteries accounts for up to 20% of ischemic strokes 1. The clinical effects of atherosclerotic occlusive disease vary according to multiple factors, one of which is collateral circulation. In response to a chronic decrease in cerebral perfusion from atherosclerotic occlusion, alternative flow pathways, or collaterals, develop in a variety of patterns. In the setting of carotid occlusion, flow from the Circle of Willis, if complete, often comprises the main cerebral collateral network. In addition, contributions from leptomeningeal and extracranial to intracranial collaterals may develop. In the latter, reversal of flow in the ophthalmic artery can reconstitute to restore supraclinoid internal carotid artery flow. We report a case of the unusual sequela of a collateral flow pattern via the ophthalmic artery that induces a unique retinal steal phenomenon.
