Delayed Branch Retinal Artery Occlusion and Partial Oculomotor Nerve Palsy Following Coiling of a Giant Intracavernous Carotid Artery Aneurysm

Coil embolization is a non-invasive and effective method of treating intracranial aneurysm s not amendable to surgical clipping by inducing thrombus formation. However, ophthalmic complications and cranial nerve injury are rarely encountered following the procedure. We report a case of inferior branch retinal artery occlusion and partial oculomotor nerve palsy of the right eye seven days after coil embolization and balloon occlusion of a giant intracavernous right internal carotid artery aneurysm in an 18 year old healthy Caucasian man. After three months, there was resolution of the oculomotornerve palsy, but superior arcuatescotoma remained unchanged. Baseline ophthalmic examinations and discussion of potential ophthalmic risks with patients prior to the interventional aneurysm coiling procedures are recommended.