Dr.Mrunmayi Jeste

Dr. SARAVANAN V.R., Dr.Palmeera D`souza

Abstract

A 30-year-old one-eyed male presented with sudden onset loss of vision in his right eye since 4 days. He had total loss of vision in his left eye (PL negative) secondary to trauma in childhood. He had no pre-existing systemic health problems. On examination, the right eye had a best-corrected visual acuity of 6/18 with anterior segment and IOP within normal limits. Fundus showed infero-temporal branch retinal artery occlusion and multiple choroidal infarcts. On extensive blood work-up and cardiac evaluation, occlusion of the right Internal carotid artery with a distal plaque in the right common carotid artery was noted on carotid Doppler and CT angiography. After cardiologist consultation, the patient was started on urgent antiplatelet therapy.

This case highlights the ophthalmologist’s role – as the first contact physician in recognizing potentially life-threatening cardiac conditions.