A Rare Case Report of Central Retinal Artery Occlusion in a Young Female Post-Fontan Procedure: Clinical Implications
Hanan Khalid Aljaidi1, Marah Saud AlEnezi1, Ghaida Ali Al Ghamdi1
1Department of Adult Neurology, Prince Sultan Military Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Insights
Central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) is a rare but severe condition. Patients with congenital heart disease, especially after the Fontan procedure, face unique risks for CRAO and potential vision loss.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Cardiology
- Vascular Medicine
Background:
- Central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) is a critical condition causing irreversible vision loss.
- Congenital heart diseases (CHDs) and associated surgical interventions, like the Fontan procedure, may alter patient risk profiles for vascular events.
- Retinal vascular events are uncommon in patients with CHDs, necessitating a deeper understanding of associated risk factors.
Purpose:
To highlight the importance of recognizing the risk factors for central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) in patients with congenital heart diseases, as CRAO is a rare but severe condition that can lead to permanent vision loss. Patients with a history of surgical procedures for congenital heart defects, such as the Fontan procedure, may have unique risk profiles for retinal vascular events.
Methods:
We present the case of a young female patient with a past medical history of a Fontan procedure who experienced acute vision loss in her left eye.
Results:
The onset was sudden, with no preceding symptoms. Ophthalmologic evaluation and imaging confirmed the diagnosis of CRAO. Further investigations suggested that her underlying cardiovascular condition may have contributed to the vascular event.
Conclusions:
This case highlights the importance of recognizing the risk factors for CRAO in patients with congenital heart disease, particularly those who have undergone the Fontan procedure. Early detection and management are critical to improving visual outcomes in such patients.
