PURPOSE: To describe a case of choroidal infarction as illustrated by the "triangular sign of Amalric" after cocaine inhalation. METHODS: Observational case report. RESULTS: A 52-year-old male presented with an acute loss of vision in his left eye immediately after cocaine inhalation. Color photography and fluorescein angiography revealed triangular areas of choroidal ischemia following the distribution of the posterior ciliary arteries. CONCLUSION: Cocaine-induced vasospasm, specifically of the distal short posterior ciliary arteries, may explain the triangular wedge-shaped choroidal infarcts in our patient. A thorough drug history may circumvent unnecessary and costly investigations in such cases.
PURPOSE: To describe a case of choroidal infarction as illustrated by the "triangular sign of Amalric" after cocaine inhalation. METHODS: Observational case report. RESULTS: A 52-year-old male presented with an acute loss of vision in his left eye immediately after cocaine inhalation. Color photography and fluorescein angiography revealed triangular areas of choroidal ischemia following the distribution of the posterior ciliary arteries. CONCLUSION:Cocaine-induced vasospasm, specifically of the distal short posterior ciliary arteries, may explain the triangular wedge-shaped choroidal infarcts in our patient. A thorough drug history may circumvent unnecessary and costly investigations in such cases.