A Unique Case of Branch Retinal Artery Occlusion Associated with a Relatively Mild Coronavirus Disease 2019

Abstract

Introduction: The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the cause of the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, is associated with inflammatory-induced hypercoagulation leading to multisystemic involvement, including the retina. Case Presentation: We report a unique case of branch retinal artery occlusion that occurred 5 weeks after a relatively mild COVID-19. After excluding all systemic disorders that may have caused retinal artery occlusion and noticing an elevation in the D-dimer level, the case was considered as a late complication of the SARS-CoV-2 infection. Discussion: As branch retinal artery occlusion occurred 5 weeks after COVID-19 in this case, ophthalmologists should keep in mind that late thromboembolic events which can be associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection may occur.