Purpose: The aim of this study was to report a case of branch retinal artery occlusion in a young patient who received previous neck radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma.
Methods: The authors describe an interesting case of a branch retinal artery occlusion in a patient with previous neck radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma 14 years ago. The patient was a 49-year-old man, 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 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.