Clopidogrel therapy in nonischemic central retinal vein occlusion: A case report and therapeutic insight

Abstract

Central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) is a significant cause of vision impairment in adults, often associated with various systemic and ocular risk factors. The current literature presents a limited understanding of the efficacy of antithrombotic agents in CRVO management, with sparse comparative studies evaluating the effectiveness of different antiplatelet therapies. Here, we report the case of nonischemic CRVO in a 54-year-old male with multiple systemic comorbidities, including diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and dyslipidemia. Initial treatment with aspirin 100 mg daily resulted in worsening visual acuity (VA) and retinal pathology, prompting a transition to clopidogrel 75 mg daily due to patient refusal of intravitreal injection. Remarkably, clopidogrel therapy led to rapid and sustained improvement in VA, macular edema resolution, and complete resolution of retinal vascular pathology within weeks. This case underscores the therapeutic potential of clopidogrel in nonischemic CRVO management, suggesting its superiority over aspirin in select patients. We discuss the mechanisms underlying the differential efficacy of antiplatelet agents and highlight the need for further comparative studies to guide optimal treatment strategies in CRVO.

Keywords

• acetylsalicylic acid
• antiplatelet therapy
• aspirin
• central retinal vein occlusion
• clopidogrel
• central retinal vein occlusion