Combined central retinal artery and vein occlusion in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus and anti-phospholipid syndrome

Lupus. 2010 Feb;19(2):206-9. doi: 10.1177/0961203309345751. Epub 2009 Oct 30.

Abstract

Combined central retinal artery occlusion and central retinal venous occlusion have been rarely reported in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and anti-phospholipid syndrome. The impact of this severe vaso-occlusive disease on vision is usually devastating and permanent in spite of vigorous treatment. We report herein a 35-year-old female patient displaying a transient and reversible process. Her best-corrected visual acuity improved from 6/60 to 6/8.6 1 day later, before the initiation of systemic corticosteroid and anticoagulant treatment. The retina regained a normal appearance with her vision recovering to 6/6 2 weeks after the episode of temporary vision loss. Her rapid recovery suggests that continued anti-coagulation therapy and close follow-up to prevent severe complications and recurrent thrombosis is warranted.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anticoagulants / therapeutic use
  • Antiphospholipid Syndrome / complications*
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Glucocorticoids / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / complications*
  • Retinal Artery Occlusion / drug therapy
  • Retinal Artery Occlusion / etiology*
  • Retinal Vein Occlusion / drug therapy
  • Retinal Vein Occlusion / etiology*
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Visual Acuity

Substances

  • Anticoagulants
  • Glucocorticoids