Unilateral central retinal artery occlusion in alcoholic cardiomyopathy

Abstract

Central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) is an ocular emergency that may result in significant functional morbidity. Emboli of cardiac origin are an uncommon cause of retinal artery occlusion and a variety of cardiac disorders including dilated cardiomyopathies may be the source. We present a case of sudden unilateral vision loss in a 38-year-old man with alcoholic cardiomyopathy (ACM). Ocular examination revealed symptoms of a right CRAO. His visual outcome was poor despite emergency measures taken at presentation. This case should increase the awareness of CRAO as a possible embolic complication in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy.