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The case of a 35-year-old patient with acute alcoholic pancreatitis who developed sudden loss of visual acuity is described. The ophthalmoscopic examination revealed diffuse retinal whitening of the posterior pole with confluent cotton-wool spots. Fluorescein angiogram showed retinal arteriolar occlusion. The findings were compatible with Purtscher-like retinopathy. Computed tomography of the abdomen demonstrated enlarged liver and pancreas with edema and inflammation. The pathogenesis of this form of retinopathy still remains uncertain and there is no specific treatment available.

Carotid cavernous fistulas are a rare entity occurring as result of head trauma and also spontaneously. The authors report a rare case of central retinal artery occlusion complicating traumatic carotid-cavernous fistula, resulting in severe visual acuity loss. Spontaneous closure of the fistula was observed. The possible mechanisms responsible for this complication are discussed.