Neovascularization of the Optic Disc Associated with Acute Ophthalmic Artery Obstruction

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: It has been reported that neovascularization of the optic disc (NVD) occurs in ocular ischemic syndrome, sickle cell hemoglobinopathy, ocular sarcoidosis, Eales' disease, and central retinal artery occlusion. However, NVD in acute ophthalmic artery occlusion had not been reported. Therefore, we report one unusual case of NVD in acute ophthalmic artery obstruction. METHODS: A 56 year-old man with complaint of abrupt decrease of visual acuity and periorbital discomfort underwent medical history taking, periorbital examination, fundus examination, and fluorescein angiography. He was followed up for 5 months RESULTS: Fundus examination showed segmentation of blood flow and diffuse retinal whitish opacity on the posterior pole around the center of the macula, without any cherry red spots in the perifoveal area. Fluorescein angiography showed a marked filling delay in the nasal retinal and choroidal circulations with a definite watershed zone involving the peripapillary choroid and macula. The retinal arteries filling and arteriovenous transit time were delayed. There was no light-perception vision and low intraocular pressure. Diabetes was found on systemic examination. Five weeks later, NVD and choroidal atrophy around the optic disc were detected. Panretinal photocoagulation was performed for the regression of NVD. NVD was regressed, but recurred.