title: [Amaurosis fugax].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Presentation of the etiology, diagnosis, possible complications and treatment of amaurosis fugax.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  amaurosis fugax is a transient monocular loss of vision, usually affecting the entire visual field.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Amaurosis fugax is caused by transient retinal ischemia resulting from embolism, hemodynamic insufficiency or ocular vascular disease. In view of the high complication rate (annual blindness rate 1%, annual risk of an ischemic insult 2%, myocardial infarction 30%, and an 18% mortality rate), an immediate search for the underlying causes is mandatory. Diagnostic evaluation should include ophthalmological, neurological and cardiovascular investigations. Management of amaurosis fugax comprises, in the first instance, treatment of the underlying disease and administration of anti-platelet agents. In cases in which stenosis of extracranial vessels presents, endarterectomy may sometimes be considered.
authors.affiliation: Augenklinik, Universität des Saarlandes.
authors.forename: A M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Palmowski
authors.forename: K W
authors.initials: KW
authors.lastname: Ruprecht
mesh_terms: D001766:Blindness / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D004691:Endarterectomy; D006801:Humans; D002546:Ischemic Attack, Transient / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D010975:Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012164:Retinal Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology
chemical_list: D010975:Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors
vernacular_title: Amaurosis fugax.