MULTIPLE, RECURRENT, BILATERAL BRANCH RETINAL ARTERY OCCLUSIONS ASSOCIATED WITH CAROTID WEBS.

PURPOSE: We describe a case of bilateral, multiple, branch retinal artery occlusions associated with carotid webs.

METHODS

A thorough chart review was conducted for the patient. Relevant literature was systematically reviewed.

RESULTS

Eight cases of fibromuscular dysplasia associated with retinal artery occlusions have been reported. Two additional cases of fibromuscular dysplasia with other ocular involvement have been described. No cases of carotid webs associated with retinal artery occlusions were found.

CONCLUSION

Carotid webs, an uncommon variant of fibromuscular dysplasia, are a recognized causative etiology of arterial, ischemic stroke. The case described here of bilateral, multifocal branch retinal artery occlusions represents a unique manifestation of this variant of fibromuscular dysplasia. This diagnosis should be considered in the setting of an otherwise unrevealing branch retinal artery occlusion workup, because recognition of this association may be sight and life-saving.