Transluminal Nd: YAG Laser Embolysis for Branch Retinal Artery Occlusion: A case Report

Abstract

A 57-year-old, male, type 2 diabetic patient with the diagnosis of acute form of right eye inferotemporal branch retinal artery occlusion which occurred three days ago was reported. The patient complained of right eye visual field deficit (horizontal upper quadrant) with decreased visual acuity of finger counting from two meters. On fundus examination, calcific embolus was noted with inferotemporal branch artery occlusion and macular edema. The embolus was fragmented (embolysis) with the Nd:YAG laser technique. Subhyaloid hemorrhage developed and was drained by posterior hyaloidotomy with Nd:YAG laser at the same session. Visual acuity increased and hemorrhage gradually absorbed on follow-up period. Final visual acuity was 8/10 with eccentric fixation. Recovery of blood flow in the occluded arteriole both in fundus examination and fluorescein angiography were noted. (Turk J Oph thal mol 2012; 42: 303-5)

Keywords

• Calcific embolus
• branch retinal artery occlusion
• Nd:YAG laser embolysis