Hemiretinal artery occlusion as a variant of retinal arterial occlusive disease

Abstract

Central retinal artery occlusion is an established and potentially blinding ocular condition. It is the most common presentation of the spectrum comprising retinal arterial occlusive diseases. The presence of a hemicentral retinal artery is an anatomical variation and few reports on its occlusion are noted in literature. Here, we present the case of a 45-year-old male who was diagnosed with hemiretinal artery occlusion occurring secondary to an embolus from the carotid artery. He was also noted to have systemic hypertension at presentation along with dyslipidemia. The visual acuity loss improved over a follow-up period of 1 week post presentation before the patient was lost to follow-up. This case report highlights the role of a thorough systemic evaluation and prompt referral to an internist of the patient presenting with retinal arterial occlusive disease. It also showcases an uncommon presentation retinal arterial occlusion that may occur as an anatomical variant much as the case of a hemiretinal vein occlusion.

Keywords

• hemicentral retinal artery occlusion
• hemiretinal artery occlusion
• retinal arterial occlusive disease
• retinal artery occlusion
• systemic hypertension