Branch Retinal Artery Occlusion Following Rhinoplasty: A Case Report

Abstract

Central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) is a sudden and vision-threatening condition with catastrophic consequences unless managed immediately by reestablishing the retinal circulation. Even though CRAO is a common ocular disorder, it is a very rare complication after non-ocular surgeries; only a few cases have been reported in the literature. Cardiac and spine surgeries are considered the most common causes of postoperative vision loss. In this case report, we present the case of a young female patient diagnosed with central retinal artery occlusion after a septoplasty. This is considered the first reported case in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Branch retinal artery occlusion (BRAO) and CRAO are possible complications of otorhinolaryngology procedures, and both otorhinolaryngologists and ophthalmologists should be aware of these possible complications.

Keywords: branched retinal artery occlusion; case report; complications; rhinoplasty; septoplasy.

Figure 1. Optical coherence tomography of the left eye showed thickening of the inner part of the inferior hemiretina with a shadowing effect, indicating edema.

Figure 2. Normal optical coherence tomography of the right eye.

Figure 3. Optical coherence tomography angiography of the left eye detected no capillary blood flow in the affected area.

Figure 4. Normal optical coherence tomography angiography of the right eye.