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Metallic Retinal Artery Embolus following Pipeline Embolization Device
Colin P Froines1, Samuel A Whittier, Justin L Gottlieb
1Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin, Madison Wisconsin, USA.
Retinal Cases & Brief Reports
|September 23, 2025
Summary
A rare complication of Pipeline Embolization Device (PED) placement, a metallic retinal embolus, was found incidentally in an asymptomatic patient. This metallic embolus did not cause vascular occlusion, as confirmed by optical coherence tomography angiography.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neurology
- Interventional Radiology
Background:
- Cerebral aneurysms are often treated with endovascular methods.
- The Pipeline Embolization Device (PED) is a common tool for treating complex aneurysms.
- Complications, though rare, require careful monitoring.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a case of asymptomatic metallic retinal embolus.
- To describe this complication following Pipeline Embolization Device (PED) placement.
- To highlight the diagnostic findings and implications.
Main Methods:
- A case report of a 41-year-old female patient is presented.
- The patient underwent two Pipeline Embolization Device (PED) placements for a left ophthalmic artery aneurysm.
- Ophthalmological referral was made due to an incidentally discovered refractile object in the macula.
Main Results:
- Fundoscopic examination revealed a refractile foreign body near the fovea.
- Optical coherence tomography (OCT) confirmed the intravascular location of the object.
- OCT angiography showed no evidence of vascular occlusion caused by the embolus.
Conclusions:
- Metallic embolus is an infrequent complication associated with Pipeline Embolization Device (PED) procedures.
- Early detection and monitoring are crucial for managing such rare complications.
- This case underscores the importance of comprehensive post-procedural evaluation.
