COVID-19-associated central retinal vein occlusion treated with oral aspirin

Abstract

This is a case report of central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) associated with COVID-19 treated with oral aspirin therapy. A 56-year-old woman reported decreased vision in her left eye. Her left eye vision was 6/18, N10. Anterior segment was within normal limits. Left eye fundus was suggestive of CRVO and macular oedema. Optical coherence tomography showed cystoid macular oedema and neurosensory detachment. Blood work-up revealed elevated D-dimer levels and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). She was started on treatment with low-dose aspirin 150 mg/day. After 1 month, her vision improved to 6/6, N6. Left eye fundus showed reduced retinal haemorrhages and complete resolution of macular oedema. Her repeat blood work-up showed reduced D-dimer and ESR levels. The patient was asked to be reviewed after 3 months. This case highlights that specific treatment for reducing the hypercoagulable state caused by COVID-19 with oral aspirin therapy can result in complete resolution of CRVO macular oedema.