Bilateral central retinal artery occlusion as a premonitory presentation in giant cell arteritis

Abstract

Central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) is an ophthalmologic emergency. Carotid artery atherosclerosis, cardiogenic emboli, hypertension, smoking, diabetes, and giant cell arteritis (GCA) are the contributing risk factors for CRAO. It is imperative to rule out GCA in patients aged above 50 years as it can cause severe visual loss involving both eyes, if not treated promptly, making diagnosis critical. Elevated C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate with a raised platelet count favor GCA as a probable diagnosis. Typical granulomatous inflammation on temporal artery biopsy confirms the diagnosis. The vision loss is permanent, but early steroid therapy is effective in preventing further visual loss.