[Course of choroid infarction in a case of temporal arteritis (Horton's disease)]

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Vascular Medicine
• Rheumatology

Background:

• Giant cell arteritis (GCA), also known as temporal arteritis, is a systemic vasculitis that can affect large and medium-sized arteries.
• Ocular involvement in GCA, such as choroidal infarction, can lead to significant vision loss.
• Choroidal angiography with Indocyanin-green is a diagnostic tool to assess choroidal blood flow.

Observation:

• A case of choroidal infarction was identified in a patient with temporal arteritis.
• Choroidal angiography using Indocyanin-green was performed to evaluate the extent of vascular compromise.
• Follow-up imaging was conducted after one month to assess the progression of the condition.

Findings:

• The initial choroidal angiography revealed an area of infarction, indicating reduced or absent blood flow in the choroid.
• After one month, repeat choroidal angiography demonstrated a remarkable recovery of blood flow in the previously infarcted region.
• The restitution of choroidal blood flow was nearly complete, suggesting significant healing.

Implications:

• This case highlights the potential for spontaneous or treatment-induced recovery of choroidal blood flow following infarction in temporal arteritis.
• Early diagnosis and management of temporal arteritis may be crucial in preventing irreversible vision loss.
• Indocyanin-green angiography is a valuable tool for monitoring choroidal vascular changes and assessing treatment response in such cases.