ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: To report a case of branch retinal artery occlusion (BRAO) in a young patient who received previous neck radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma. METHODS: We describe an interesting case of a branch retinal artery occlusion in a patient with previous neck radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma 14 years ago. PATIENT: The patient was a 49 year old male, 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 (ICA) 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.
