Bilateral central retinal artery occlusion in a patient with acute pancreatitis.
OBJECTIVE
To illustrate a case of bilateral simultaneous central retinal artery occlusion in a patient with acute pancreatitis.


METHODS
This patient presented to the emergency room with a 4-day history of acute painless bilateral loss of vision and was then immediately referred to the on-call ophthalmologist.


METHODS
This patient is a 47-year-old white man with a chronic history of alcohol abuse.


RESULTS
Laboratory workup and computed tomography abdominal imaging were diagnostic of acute pancreatitis.


CONCLUSIONS
It is postulated that the resultant complement activation with subsequent leukoembolization along with the combined effect of other variables led to microvascular damage resulting in bilateral central retinal artery occlusion.
From the Department of Ophthalmology, Kentucky Clinic, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky.
Peter J
PJ
Timoney
James C
JC
Pate
P Andrew
PA
Pearson
James
J
Crandall