Ophthalmologists saving life of a young patient presenting with sudden simultaneous bilateral retinal artery occlusions secondary to calcific emboli of cardiac origin

Abstract

We present a case report of a young 35-year-old previously healthy male with simultaneous central retinal artery occlusion in the right eye and branch retinal artery occlusion in the left eye with visible calcific emboli in both eyes from calcified mitral valve diagnosed on trans-esophageal echocardiography. Patient underwent an urgent life-saving mitral valve replacement surgery within 2 days as Ophthalmologists immediately referred him to Cardiologist moment they visualized calcific emboli in both eyes with bilateral retinal artery occlusions on fundoscopy. Bilateral retinal artery occlusions suggest a source of emboli at the level of the heart or aortic arch. All patients with retinal ischemia should have a complete cardiovascular evaluation supplemented by Transesophageal echocardiography. Many times an Ophthalmologist might be the physician of first contact for patients with cardiac diseases and awareness of the disease is therefore important for all Ophthalmologists. Timely referral and management by Cardiologist/cardiac surgeon may protect patient against serious life-threatening complications.