Retinal vascular occlusion: The Daily PANCE Blueprint
Sudden, painless monocular vision loss with a cherry-red spot on fundoscopic exam is most consistent with which diagnosis?
A. Optic neuritis
B. Retinal detachment
C. Retinal artery occlusion
D. Acute angle-closure glaucoma
E. Vitreous hemorrhage
Answer and topic summary
The answer is C. Retinal artery occlusion
Retinal artery occlusion is defined by the occlusion of the retinal artery leading to retinal ischemia. It is usually caused by a thromboembolic event, but can also be due to a vasculitis or arterial vasospasm. Clinical features include sudden, but painless, loss of vision in one eye. Classically, it is like a “curtain closing.” On exam, you may appreciate a gray discoloration of the entire retina with a cherry-red spot located at the fovea centralis. It is an ophthalmologic emergency, and treatment should be initiated STAT as permanent damage can occur in only 1.5 hours.
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Also covered as part of the Family Medicine EOR topic lists
