Journal List > J Korean Ophthalmol Soc > v.49(5) > 1008278

Kim, Yun, and Kim: Central Retinal Artery Occlusion Associated with Chickenpox

Abstract

Purpose

To report a case of central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) associated with chickenpox.

Case summary

A 24-year-old female presenting with a history of centripetal eruption and erythema, followed by vesicle and eschar, was diagnosed with varicella and managed in a local medical clinic. Five days after the varicella eruption, she experienced decreased vision in her left eye. On initial exam visual acuity was light-sense positive in the left eye and 1.0 in the right eye; on fundus examination the patient was diagnosed with CRAO. We performed hematologic tests including thrombophilia studies, but there were no abnormal findings on routine hematologic tests, the carotid artery, or cardiovascular examinations. Antinuclear antibody, rheumatoid factor, and antiphospholipid antibody were negative. Skin biopsy and PCR results both corresponded with varicella, and the patient was diagnosed with CRAO associated with chickenpox.

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Figure 1.
Fundus photograph show whitening of the superficial retina and cherry-red spot in the left eye.
jkos-49-853f1.tif
Figure 2.
Fluorescein angiograhs show delayed retinal arterial filling time and arteriovenous transit time in the left eye.
jkos-49-853f2.tif
Figure 3.
The result of VAV-PCR in patient serum. Lane S1 demonstrating specific 200 bp amplification of the VZV band. (Lane M = 200bp DNA ladder; Lane PC = positive control; Lane NC = negative control; Lane S1 = blood sample from patient; Bp = base pair)
jkos-49-853f3.tif
Figure 4.
Fundus photographs show disc pallor and arterial narrowing in the left eye at 18 months after the initial visit.
jkos-49-853f4.tif
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