Delayed Onset of Retinal Embolism After Coronary Angioplasty

Carlos Llorente-La Orden1, Verónica Gómez-Calleja, María Jimenez-Santos

  • 1Servicio de Oftalmología, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Calle profesor Martín Lagos s/n, Madrid, 28040, Spain. llorentecar@gmail.com.

Insights

Retinal artery cholesterol emboli, or Hollenhorst plaques, can cause irreversible vision loss after angioplasty. Physicians performing catheterizations should be aware of this rare but severe complication, even if it occurs later.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Ophthalmology
  • Vascular Surgery

Background:

  • Retinal artery cholesterol emboli (Hollenhorst plaques) are a rare but serious complication following angioplasty.
  • These events can lead to irreversible visual disturbances.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the potential for delayed occurrence of Hollenhorst plaques post-angioplasty.
  • To increase awareness among interventional radiologists and cardiologists regarding this complication.

Main Methods:

  • Case presentation of a patient experiencing delayed Hollenhorst plaques post-angioplasty.
  • Review of literature regarding the incidence and timing of retinal artery cholesterol emboli.

Main Results:

  • Hollenhorst plaques can manifest with a delayed onset after angioplasty procedures.
  • The increasing number of angioplasty procedures necessitates vigilance for this complication.

Conclusions:

  • Interventional cardiologists and radiologists must consider the possibility of delayed Hollenhorst plaques.
  • Awareness and prompt recognition are crucial for managing this severe event and preventing further visual impairment.

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