Retinal arterial and venous obstruction as the first manifestation of an antiphospholipid antibody syndrome.

CASE REPORT: A 34 year-old woman presented with decrease in visual acuity in her right eye (RE). Her past medical history was unremarkable. Dilated fundus examination revealed a central venous occlusion and an obstruction of the cilioretinal artery. Given the patient age, a cardiology and haematology screen was obtained to rule out hypercoagulation disorders and thromboembolic disease. Antiplatelet, anticoagulant, and corticosteroid therapy were started. The laboratory result was positive for anticardiolipin and antiphospholipid antibody. A diagnosis of antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) was made.

DISCUSSION: Antiphospholipid syndrome may cause thrombosis in any organ. The involvement of the retinal vessels may be the first manifestation of this entity. This diagnosis is important to prevent recurrent thrombotic events.