Unilateral hemi-central retinal artery occlusion as a presenting sign of Susac syndrome

ABSTRACT

A young woman presented at our clinic with sudden visual loss in the right eye, recurrent vertigo, and right-sided tinnitus. We performed a complete ophthalmological evaluation. This revealed effects of the condition on the small arterioles of the peripheral retina. Susac syndrome is characterized by the clinical triad of retinal arteriolar occlusions, cochleovestibular manifestations, and encephalopathy (which can be identified by neuroimaging abnormalities). Early diagnosis and immunosuppressive therapy improved the patient's visual acuity and the remission of her other symptoms. Hemi-central retinal artery occlusion is an atypical neuro-ophthalmological finding in this disease. However, its identification as a sign of Susac syndrome may facilitate timely diagnosis and accurate treatment.

Keywords:
Ophthalmological diagnostic techniques; Retinal artery occlusion; Vertigo; Cerebrovascular disorders; Susac syndrome