Distant arterial thromboembolization as a postoperative complication of cataract extractions

This paper describes and analyzes an almost-unreported postoperative complication. Arterial thromboemboli are a concern with hospital populations, where their relative incidence is higher than in the general population. Four case reports are mentioned: Each patient underwent a cataract extraction and, following time periods varying from one day to two months, sustained a thrombosis of a main leg artery. Possible etiologies are discussed. All patients had an impaired immune status in some way, and either this or the resultant steroid treatment may be implicated in their postoperative complication. All patients had cardiovascular histories, and two had previous duodenal ulcers.