Name

Emboles conjonctivaux et occlusion artérielle centrale rétinienne après embolisation sélective

To present a rare complication of selective embolization

A 25-year-old male presented with a post-traumatic recurrent epistaxis associated with a comminuted fracture of the nasal bone. After multiple anterior and posterior nasal packing, ligation of the left anterior ethmoidal artery was attempted without success. Given the persistence of the epistaxis and the development of anemia, necessitating six transfusions of packed red blood cells, the patient was recommended for embolization.

Unfortunately, following the procedure, the patient noted painless loss of vision in the left eye, secondary to a central retinal artery occlusion characterized by a cherry red spot and retinal edema.

A visible embolus located in the central retinal artery before its papillary division was observed. The occlusion was confirmed by fundus fluorescein angiography, showing delayed arterial filling as well as poor peripheral perfusion. Furthermore, examination of the anterior segment of this calm eye, revealed the presence of multiple conjunctival arterial emboli .We highlight in these circumstances the importance of a full ophthalmic examination of which the anterior segment.

ENT and ophtalmologists need to be aware of this rare and devastating complication of selective embolization.