Iatrogenic ophthalmic artery occlusion after platelet-rich plasma dermal filler documented with ultra-widefield imaging

Eur J Ophthalmol. 2023 Nov;33(6):NP74-NP78. doi: 10.1177/11206721231156635. Epub 2023 Feb 19.

Abstract

Purpose: To report a case of iatrogenic ophthalmic artery occlusion (OAO) secondary to platelet-rich plasma (PRP) dermal filler injection for facial rejuvenation documented with ultra-widefield imaging.

Methods: Case report.

Results: A 45-year-old woman developed a sudden and painful vision loss in the left eye (LE) after a dermal filler injection of PRP in the left glabellar region. She immediately received intravenous corticosteroids with no improvements. Two weeks later a complete ophthalmological examination including visual acuity (VA), fundus examination, ultra-widefield fundus autofluorescence and fluorescein angiography, and optical coherence tomography was performed. A diagnosis of iatrogenic OAO in the LE with profound ocular ischemia was made and VA remained no light perception. Monthly follow-up visits were scheduled to ascertain the onset of any ocular complication.

Conclusions: Dermal filler injections of PRP can lead to rare but devastating side effects with permanent visual loss. Considering that there is currently no validated treatment strategy, prevention could be the real key of iatrogenic OAO management.

Keywords: Dermal filler; ophthalmic artery occlusion; platelet-rich plasma.