1. Emergency treatment approaches for central retinal artery occlusion.
- Author
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Smiri, Meryam, Nassim, Haddoum Karim, Abdeldjalil, Mansouri, and Mohamed, El Sanharawi
- Subjects
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RETINAL artery , *RETINAL artery occlusion , *RETINAL blood vessels , *EMERGENCY medical services , *SLIT lamp microscopy , *INTRAOCULAR pressure - Abstract
Aims/Purpose: Central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO), which can be likened to a stroke in the eye, is considered a critical condition requiring immediate attention. The aim of this case was to assess whether anterior chamber paracentesis has a notable impact on the ultimate visual acuity in eye experiencing acute CRAO. Methods: We present the case of a 62‐year‐old man with no significant ophthalmological history, only hypertension under treatment. Presented to the emergency care within an hour after experiencing a sudden decrease in visual acuity in his left eye, whose visual prognosis improved after an urgent ocular chamber paracentesis. Results: The ophthalmological examination revealed a visual acuity of 10/10 on the right (OD) and positive light perception/10 on his left eye (OS). The intraocular pressure was normal in both eyes. Slit lamp and fundus examination showed on OS a positive reflex afferent pupillary defect and a whitish appearance of the retina, with narrowed retinal blood vessels and a cherry red spot in the macula while all was normal on OD. In this case an anterior chamber paracentesis was conducted, involving the removal of 0.3 mL of aqueous fluid from the anterior chamber using a small (30 gauge) needle. By decreasing the intraocular pressure through medical means (acetazolamide 250 mg 1cp 3 times a day for 7 days) and performing the anterior chamber paracentesis, the aim is to optimize the conditions for promoting the movement of any potential embolus away from the central retina and along the vessel. After one week, significant improvement was observed. The visual acuity in the OS was measured at 9/10, and the intraocular pressure was 10 mmHg. Ophthalmoscopic examination revealed the disappearance of the previously observed whitish retina, with a granular appearance of the macula. Despite these positive changes, impairment in the visual field has been noted and still persistent even after six months of follow‐up. Conclusions: Paracentesis, by reducing intraocular pressure, can enhance retinal arterial perfusion pressure, vasodilatation and the dislodgement of thrombi or emboli. Despite the prognosis often being poor, it is essential to take quick action and implement appropriate management strategies to prevent permanent vision loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024
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