Ocular ischemic syndrome due to severe internal carotid artery stenosis improved by intracranial stent placement: A case report

BACKGROUND: Treatment of cervical internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis has contributed to the improvement of ocular ischemic syndrome. However, there have been few cases of visual impairment caused by ocular ischemic syndrome due to intracranial ICA stenosis, which improved through intracranial stent placement. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 76-year-old man presented with right-sided paralysis. Radiographic examination revealed severe stenosis of the left intracranial ICA (distal cavernous-infraclinoid portion) and a watershed infarction of the left cerebral hemisphere. Conservative therapy including antiplatelet drugs was initiated, but severe visual acuity disturbance in his left eye occurred 1 month after onset. The antegrade ocular artery flow recovered after urgent intracranial stent placement, and his vision improved immediately after the procedure. CONCLUSION: Visual impairment presenting as ocular ischemic syndrome can occur due to severe stenosis of the intracranial ICA, and treatment of these lesions could improve the symptoms.