Cilioretinal artery occlusion during coronary catheterization

Purpose: To report on a patient with cilioretinal artery occlusion during cardiac catheterization. Methods: A 51-year-old man complained of blurred vision in the left eye immediately following cardiac catheterization. Visual acuity was 6/12 and the eye had a dense central scotoma. Results: Mild retinal whitening of the posterior pole and segmented filling of the cilio-retinal artery established the diagnosis of cilioretinal artery occlusion. Immediate paracentesis was performed. Two weeks later, a tiny central scotoma could be observed and visual acuity was 6/6. Conclusions: Cardiac catheterization may result in retinal infarction. Awareness to any visual symptoms, immediate diagnosis and prompt intervention may prevent permanent visual impairment.