Retinal vasoocclusive spectrum following COVID-19

Indian J Ophthalmol. 2022 Apr;70(4):1412-1415. doi: 10.4103/ijo.IJO_2837_21.

Abstract

The coagulation abnormalities and thromboembolic complications of coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) are now a well-established fact. The hypercoagulable state, the tendency for thromboembolism, and a cytokine surge state have been the exclusive reasons for multiorgan failure and other morbidities that have been regularly reported in COVID-19 patients. Ocular involvement in patients with active disease and those who have recovered is uncommon but not rare. We report a case series of four patients with CRVO, BRVO, CRAO, and vitreous hemorrhage in patients with proven COVID-19 infection and no other systemic ailments. The case series also tries to correlate the elevated D-dimer values, which signify a plausible prothrombotic state with the vaso-occlusive phenomenon in the retina leading to significant visual morbidity.

Keywords: Branch retinal vein occlusion; COVID-19; central retinal artery occlusion; central retinal vein occlusion; vitreous hemorrhage.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • COVID-19* / complications
  • Humans
  • Retina
  • Retinal Vein Occlusion* / complications
  • SARS-CoV-2