Imaging Correlation of a Carotid Embolus in Central Retinal Artery Occlusion (CRAO) - Abstract
Background: To highlight the utility of B-scan ultrasound in the diagnosis of a CRAO. Case Presentation: A 64-year-old Caucasian male with a history of hypertension, presented to triage clinic for sudden vision loss in his right eye starting 36 hours previously. CTA showed a calcified plaque with an adjacent soft component in the right internal carotid artery. MRA showed intra-plaque hemorrhage without ulceration which was evidence against this as a source of emboli. B-scan ultrasound of the right eye showed a central retinal artery focus of increased echogenicity, consistent with an embolus. Ultimately, the true etiology of the CRAO was confirmed on B-scan ultrasound.
Conclusions: B-scan ultrasound can be a valuable, non-invasive diagnostic modality in determining the underlying etiology of a CRAO.