Retinal Vascular Complications in Cocaine Abuse: A Case Report and a Literature Review

Abstract

This comprehensive review examines the ocular vascular complications of cocaine use, focusing on its effects on retinal vasculature and inflammation. A rare case of bilateral frosted branch angiitis (FBA) in a 48-year-old man with a history of intranasal cocaine abuse is presented as an illustrative example to stimulate discussion. The case highlights severe retinal ischemia and vascular sheathing, with no identifiable infectious or autoimmune cause, ultimately complicated by systemic vascular events. Integrating this case with a review of the literature, we discuss cocaine’s vasoconstrictive and immunomodulatory effects and their role in retinal pathology, including vasculitis, vascular occlusions, hemorrhages, and optic neuropathy. Although often a diagnosis of exclusion, and with rare and poorly understood consequences, this review underscores the importance of considering cocaine abuse in the differential diagnosis of complex retinal presentations.