Central retinal artery occlusion

Question 1

What is central retinal artery occlusion?

Answer 1

A relatively rare cause of sudden unilateral visual loss due to thromboembolism or arteritis.

Question 2

What are the features of central retinal artery occlusion?

Answer 2

Sudden, painless unilateral visual loss; relative afferent pupillary defect; ‘cherry red’ spot on a pale retina.

Question 3

What is the management for central retinal artery occlusion?

Answer 3

Management is difficult and the prognosis is poor; underlying conditions should be identified and treated.

Question 4

What treatment may be attempted for acute presentations of central retinal artery occlusion?

Answer 4

Intraarterial thrombolysis may be attempted, but trials show mixed results.

Question 5

What is the most likely diagnosis for a patient with unilateral visual loss and a relative afferent pupillary defect?

Answer 5

Central retinal artery occlusion

64% likelihood based on examination findings.

Question 6

What is the most obvious sign of central retinal artery occlusion on fundoscopy?

Answer 6

A pale retina.