BRANCH RETINAL ARTERY OCCLUSION IN A YOUNG PATIENT AFTER RADIOTHERAPY FOR NASOPHARYNGEAL CARCINOMA BRANCH RETINAL ARTERY OCCLUSION AFTER RADIOTHERAPY.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to report a case of branch retinal artery occlusion in a young patient who received previous neck radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

METHODS

The authors describe an interesting case of a branch retinal artery occlusion in a patient with previous neck radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma 14 years ago. The patient was a 49-year-old man, who presented to the retina service in Tan Tock Seng Hospital.

RESULTS

Ultrasound of the carotid arteries revealed more than 50% bilateral common carotid arteries stenosis and 80-99% bilateral internal carotid artery stenosis. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain showed presence of chronic infarcts. Screening for hypercoaguable states and cardioembolic causes were unremarkable.

CONCLUSION

Head and neck irradiation is a significant risk factor for developing carotid stenosis and its consequent complications such as retinal artery occlusions and cerebrovascular events.