Quantitative evaluation of retinal artery occlusion using optical coherence tomography angiography: A case report

RATIONALE: Retinal artery occlusion (RAO) results in painless, catastrophic vision loss in a period of seconds. Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) can image retinal microcirculation, which is helpful to evaluate treatment response during the follow-up period. Using a single case with central RAO, we report its retinal perfusion changes before and after treatment using OCTA. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 36-year-old Chinese man came to our clinic with a sudden, painless loss of vision (hand motion) in his left eye. A vasodilator (nicotinic acid) was used as the primary treatment. OCTA imaging and a visual field examination were performed to assess the retinal perfusion changes before and after treatment. DIAGNOSIS: Retinal artery occlusion was considered. INTERVENTIONS: This patient was treated with an inhaled oxygen-carbon dioxide mixture, nicotinic acid tablets (100 mg) taken orally twice a day, and intravenous infusion of nicotinic acid injections (60 mg) combined with 0.9% sodium chloride injections (100 ml) once a day for vasodilation. OUTCOMES: After treatment and 9 months of follow-up, the vessel density of the left eye at the 9-month follow-up appointment was improved in all quadrants. LESSONS: Retinal edema and retinal atrophy were observed at the RAO onset and several months later, respectively. However, macular perfusion gradually increased after treatment. The timely administration of a vasodilator and the presence of the cilioretinal artery play important roles in the prevention of profound vision loss.