Retinal and choroidal microvascular embolism after intranasal corticosteroid injection

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Endocrinology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Corticosteroid injections are used for inflammatory conditions.
• Methylprednisolone acetate (Depo-Medrol) is a common injectable corticosteroid.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report cases of visual loss following methylprednisolone acetate injection.
• To identify the cause of visual impairment after Depo-Medrol use.

Main Methods:

• Case report of two patients experiencing visual loss.
• Analysis of potential causes for embolic events post-injection.

Main Results:

• Both patients suffered uniocular visual loss.
• Retinal and choroidal vascular occlusion was diagnosed.
• Emboli were presumed to be methylprednisolone acetate microcrystal aggregates.

Conclusions:

• Methylprednisolone acetate injections carry a risk of embolic vascular occlusion.
• Visual loss is a potential complication of Depo-Medrol treatment.
• Microcrystal formation may lead to adverse vascular events.