A case of central retinal artery occlusion after chiropractic manipulation of the neck

Korean J Ophthalmol. 2012 Apr;26(2):132-4. doi: 10.3341/kjo.2012.26.2.132. Epub 2012 Mar 22.

Abstract

Here we report a case of central retinal artery occlusion after chiropractic manipulation on the neck. A 49-year old man presented at the hospital because of sudden visual loss in his right eye after chiropractic neck manipulation. He had received chiropractic manipulation of the neck by a chiropractor eight days prior. When he first visited us, his best corrected visual acuity in his right eye was hand motion. A full ophthalmic examination was performed. There was cherry-red spot in the macula in his right eye. We performed a fluorescein angiogram and cervical color Doppler. The arterio-venous transit time in the fluorescein angiogram was delayed, and we detected stenosis of the right internal carotid artery with diffuse atherosclerotic plaques in the right common carotid artery. We prescribed ginko biloba extract (Tanamin). Three years after his first visit, the best corrected visual acuity of his right eye was 20 / 200.

Keywords: Chiropractic manipulation; Retinal artery occlusion.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Carotid Artery Diseases / diagnostic imaging
  • Fluorescein Angiography
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Manipulation, Chiropractic / adverse effects*
  • Middle Aged
  • Neck / blood supply
  • Retinal Artery Occlusion / diagnosis
  • Retinal Artery Occlusion / etiology*
  • Ultrasonography
  • Vision Disorders / diagnosis
  • Vision Disorders / etiology*