Evaluation of bilateral central retinal artery occlusions with optical coherence tomography-based microangiography: a case report

Abstract

Background: We report a case of bilateral central retinal artery occlusion and the evaluation of retinal vasculature and capillaries by using optical coherence tomography angiography. Case presentation: A 75-year-old white man presented with central retinal artery occlusion in one eye and underwent a carotid angioplasty. Upon discontinuing anticoagulant, he had a subsequent central retinal artery occlusion in the other eye. Optical coherence tomography angiography images were obtained to compare the retinal microvasculature in both eyes. Conclusions: Atrophy of the involved retina continues for several weeks after central retinal artery occlusion but the loss of retinal capillaries is immediate and stable over time. The presence of cilioretinal arteries that perfuse the central macula can prevent profound vision loss.