Author/Authors :
Macchia, Tommaso La Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine - Unit of Cardiology - University of Messina, Via C. Valeria, Messina, Italy , Albiero, Remo Interventional Cardiology Unit - Sondrio Hospital, Sondrio, Italy , Invernizzi, Tommaso Ophthalmology Unit - Sondrio Hospital, Sondrio, Italy , Ceravolo, Giorgia Department of Human Pathology and Evolutive Age “Gaetano Barresi” - University of Messina, Messina, Italy , Ceravolo, Ida Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine - University of Messina, Messina, Italy
Abstract :
We report a case of branch retinal artery occlusion (BRAO) that occurred after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). A 59-
year-old man with no other previous diseases presented visual acuity deterioration in the left eye 24 hours after PCI. Fundus
examination revealed ischemia at the temporal branch of the retinal artery associated with inner layer edema. Prompt treatment
was performed with ocular digital massage and paracentesis of the anterior chamber. However, at discharge, the patient had a
persistent visual loss with a central scotoma that persisted at 35-day follow-up without improvement of the visual acuity. The
patient did not suffer from any other systemic complications. Retinal infarction should be considered a potential complication
of PCI. Patients and health care providers should be aware of any visual signs. Permanent visual disability can be prevented by
immediate diagnosis and prompt intervention.
