Branch retinal artery occlusion combined with branch retinal vein occlusion in a patient with hepatitis C treated with interferon and ribavirin.
OBJECTIVE
To report a case of a combined branch retinal artery and vein occlusion in a patient with hepatitis C treated with interferon and ribavirin.


METHODS
A 29-year-old man with a 1-week history of sudden visual field defect and decrease of central visual acuity was examined.


RESULTS
Ophthalmoscopy and fluorescein angiography demonstrated an ischemic whitening of the inferior hemi-retina involving part of the macular region, numerous intraretinal hemorrhages, and a significant delay in arterial and vein filling of the dye.


CONCLUSIONS
The findings of a retinopathy associated with interferon and ribavirin treatment of hepatitis C are important. The symptomatic permanent visual field defect and decrease of central visual acuity developing following a branch retinal artery and vein occlusion event emphasizes the need for careful and regular ocular monitoring of patients receiving interferon for hepatitis C.
Nicolò
M
M
Department of Neuroscience, Ophthalmology and Genetic, University Eye Clinic of Genova, Genova, Italy. massimonicolo@occhioallaretina.it
Artioli
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La Mattina
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Ghiglione
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Calabria
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D000328:Adult; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D015828:Eye Infections, Viral / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D005451:Fluorescein Angiography; D019698:Hepatitis C, Chronic / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D007372:Interferons / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D015356:Retinal Artery Occlusion / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D012170:Retinal Vein Occlusion / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D012254:Ribavirin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014792:Visual Acuity
D000998:Antiviral Agents; D012254:Ribavirin; D007372:Interferons