Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy Due to Calciphylaxis

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Vascular Medicine
• Dermatology

Background:

• Anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (AION) is a common cause of sudden vision loss.
• Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is a vasculitis that can affect the optic nerve, leading to AION.
• Calciphylaxis is a rare syndrome of vascular calcification and skin necrosis, typically seen in patients with end-stage renal disease.

Observation:

• A 72-year-old woman presented with AION in her left eye.
• Clinical and angiographic findings suggested GCA.
• Temporal artery biopsy showed extensive calcification, indicative of calciphylaxis.

Findings:

• The histopathology of the temporal artery biopsy was consistent with calciphylaxis, not GCA.
• Calciphylaxis can present with ocular manifestations mimicking other vasculitic conditions.
• This case demonstrates an unusual presentation of calciphylaxis.

Implications:

• Calciphylaxis should be included in the differential diagnosis of arteritic AION.
• Early recognition of calciphylaxis is crucial for appropriate management and to prevent further ischemic events.
• This case expands the known clinical spectrum of calciphylaxis.