Why can’t I see after my heart is fixed: a case series of ocular complications after cardiac intervention

Abstract

BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to report case series of retinal artery occlusion (RAO) as one of the significant complication post cardiac intervention.Case presentationWe are reporting one case of branch RAO and one case of central RAO after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). In case 1, a 74-year-old gentleman with pre-existing diabetes mellitus and hypertension was electively admitted for PCI for coronary artery disease (CAD) in our centre (UKMMC). Few hours after the procedure, patient complained of sudden blurring of vision in the right eye. He was found to have branch retinal artery occlusion. In case 2, a 49-year-old gentleman presented with ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and had an emergency PCI performed 2 h upon admission. He noticed sudden dropped of vision in his right eye immediately after the procedure. He was diagnosed to have central retinal artery occlusion.ConclusionsIn conclusion, retinal artery occlusion is a possible complication post PCI. Patients need to be informed especially in high risk cases.

Ophthalmic Artery Morphological and Hemodynamic Features in Acute Coronary Syndrome

“…Furthermore, cases of retinal artery occlusion after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) have been reported worldwide. 3 In contrast, ocular vascular disease may also harbor ACS. Studies have reported that patients with retinal vascular occlusion had a higher risk of ACS.…”

Branch Retinal Artery Occlusion after Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

“…In some cases, thrombolytics can be infused into the carotid artery, or a laser embolectomy can be performed. The goal of the treatment is reperfusion of the blocked retinal vessels particularly when it is done within 6 h, because retinal ischemic damage after 240 min is normally permanent [ 10 ]. However, treatments rarely improve visual acuity, and in BRAO, the visual field damage is typically permanent.…”

Effect of PCI on ophthalmic artery hemodynamics in patients with acute coronary syndrome

“…Different organs, including the kidney, brain, eyes, and gastrointestinal system, may be targets of thromboembolic events after PCI (4). Since 1985, cases of ocular complications after PCI have been reported from around the world (5)(6)(7). Ophthalmic complications of PCI include a wide range of clinical manifestations, from transient visual impairment to permanent and devastating conditions.…”