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Updated: Jul 1, 2025
Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: February 26, 2013
CENTRAL RETINAL ARTERY OCCLUSION AFTER CARDIOVERSION OF ATRIAL FIBRILLATION
Lilia Lagha1,2, Dimitrios Kalogeropoulos1, Srinivas Goverdhan2
1Southampton Eye Unit, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, United Kingdom.
Insights
Electrical cardioversion for atrial fibrillation can rarely cause central retinal artery occlusion, leading to sudden vision loss. This case highlights a rare but serious complication following the procedure.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Cardiology
- Neurology
Background:
- Electrical cardioversion (CV) is a common procedure for treating atrial fibrillation.
- While generally safe, CV can have rare complications.
- Retinal artery occlusions are serious vascular events affecting vision.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a rare case of central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO).
- To describe the occurrence of CRAO in the postprocedural period of electrical cardioversion.
- To highlight a potential, albeit rare, complication of CV.
Main Methods:
- Case report of a 79-year-old female patient.
- Involved a detailed ophthalmic examination.
- Medical history review focusing on recent procedures.
Main Results:
- The patient underwent successful electrical cardioversion for atrial fibrillation.
- Ten days post-procedure, the patient experienced sudden vision loss in the right eye.
- Diagnosis confirmed right central retinal artery occlusion and right occipital infarct.
Conclusions:
- Central retinal artery occlusion is an uncommon complication associated with electrical cardioversion.
- This event can result in significant and permanent visual impairment.
- Awareness of this rare complication is crucial for post-procedural patient monitoring.
Purpose:
To describe a rare case of unilateral central retinal artery occlusion in the postprocedural period of electrical cardioversion (CV) for atrial fibrillation.
Methods:
History and ophthalmic examination.
Results:
A 79-year-old female underwent electrical cardioversion. This resulted in the restoration of sinus rhythm. Ten days after the cardioversion, the patient experienced sudden vision loss in her right eye. She was diagnosed with a right occipital infarct. and a right central retinal artery occlusion.
Conclusion:
Central retinal artery occlusion is a rare complication of cardioversion that can lead to severe visual loss in the affected eye.
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