Decompensation of a congenital retinal macrovessel with arteriovenous communications induced by repetitive rollercoaster rides

Abstract

Purpose: To describe a congenital retinal venous macrovessel that communicates with a cilioretinal artery and a retinal artery, and to report how this vascular anomaly decompensated as a result of repetitive rollercoaster rides.

Methods: Case report with serial fundus photography and fluorescein angiography.

Results: After a short period of intensive rollercoaster rides, a 19-year-old woman complained of reduced vision in one eye. Funduscopy and fluorescein angiography revealed a venous congenital retinal macrovessel with arteriovenous communications, and retinal exudation was visible at the termination of the anomalous vessel. Exudation resolved, and acuity recovered after a period of avoidance of rollercoaster rides.

Conclusion: This case represents the first report of a retinal artery and a cilioretinal artery communicating with a congenital retinal macrovessel, and it suggests that such patients are at increased risk of retinal vascular decompensation if involved in activities associated with changes in g-forces, such as bungee jumping or rollercoaster rides.