BACKGROUND: Coil embolization is a non-invasive method for treating intracranial vascular malformations by inducing thrombus formation. It is particularly useful in management of cerebral aneurysms and avoids the risks associated with surgical clipping. Occasionally, embolic complications occur which result in transient or permanent loss of vision. METHODS: Case report of a 29-year-old Caucasian woman who underwent coil embolization and balloon occlusion of an intracavernous carotid aneurysm. Shortly thereafter she described visual changes and a droopy eyelid. RESULTS: Examination revealed pupillary miosis and mild ptosis of the right upper lid. Perimetry showed an arcuate scotoma superiorly and an inferonasal step in the right eye. Fundus examination revealed multiple cotton-wool spots along the peripapillary area and along the temporal vascular arcades reminiscent of Purtscher retinopathy. After 4 weeks, she had marked improvement in her visual symptoms. Most of the cotton-wool spots had resolved and the visual field had normalized. However, the ptosis and anisocoria remained unchanged. CONCLUSIONS: Coil embolization is a non-invasive method for treating carotid aneurysms. However, it carries the risk of ophthalmic events, warranting baseline ophthalmic examinations prior to such intervention.
BACKGROUND:Coil embolization is a non-invasive method for treating intracranial vascular malformations by inducing thrombus formation. It is particularly useful in management of cerebral aneurysms and avoids the risks associated with surgical clipping. Occasionally, embolic complications occur which result in transient or permanent loss of vision. METHODS: Case report of a 29-year-old Caucasian woman who underwent coil embolization and balloon occlusion of an intracavernous carotid aneurysm. Shortly thereafter she described visual changes and a droopy eyelid. RESULTS: Examination revealed pupillary miosis and mild ptosis of the right upper lid. Perimetry showed an arcuate scotoma superiorly and an inferonasal step in the right eye. Fundus examination revealed multiple cotton-wool spots along the peripapillary area and along the temporal vascular arcades reminiscent of Purtscher retinopathy. After 4 weeks, she had marked improvement in her visual symptoms. Most of the cotton-wool spots had resolved and the visual field had normalized. However, the ptosis and anisocoria remained unchanged. CONCLUSIONS:Coil embolization is a non-invasive method for treating carotid aneurysms. However, it carries the risk of ophthalmic events, warranting baseline ophthalmic examinations prior to such intervention.