Favorable outcome after intra-arterial thrombolysis in a patient with branch retinal artery occlusion: a case report

Abstract

Background: Branch retinal artery occlusion (BRAO) is characterized by a sudden, painless monocular visual loss. The condition usually has a favorable prognosis but can sometimes cause severe visual loss. Currently, no clinical guidelines are available for the treatment of BRAO.

Case Report: A 38-year-old man presented with vision loss. Initial visual acuity was 0.08/1.0 and a lower-altitudinal visual field defect was detected in the right eye. Occlusion of the superior temporal branch of the retinal artery was observed using fluorescein angiography. The patient was diagnosed with BRAO, and intra-arterial thrombolysis (IAT) was performed 11 hours after the first abnormality. The patient demonstrated rapid improvement after IAT. Visual acuity recovered to 0.8/1.0 and only the cecocentral scotoma remained at 5-month follow-up.

Conclusion: For patients with BRAO and severe vision loss, IAT may be an effective treatment. However, owing to potential complications, this procedure should be reserved for selected patients.