Superior ophthalmic vein thrombosis secondary to COVID-19: an index case

Abstract

Superior ophthalmic vein thrombosis is a very rare condition, known to have a profound negative impact on vision and eye movement function and is usually associated with orbital infections, inflammation, tumors, or carotid cavernous fistulae. There is an increased risk of arterial and venous thrombosis associated with COVID-19, the presence of which is related to a significantly increased risk of mortality. We report an index case of superior ophthalmic vein thrombosis in a 61-year-old male patient who was diagnosed with COVID-19 pneumonitis and a concomitant saddle pulmonary embolus. He was swiftly treated with low molecular weight heparin which led to the resolution of the thrombosis within 3 weeks. This case highlights the importance of considering this entity in the context of COVID-19 as well as providing prompt treatment to reduce the risk of complications.

Keywords

• COVID-19
• Thrombosis
• Superior ophthalmic vein
• Neuroradiology