Alternating amaurosis fugax and temporal arteritis

Am J Ophthalmol. 1997 Jun;123(6):850-1. doi: 10.1016/s0002-9394(14)71143-2.

Abstract

Purpose: To describe a patient with alternating amaurosis fugax and the importance of this condition in diagnosing temporal arteritis.

Methods: Case report of a 77-year-old man who had numerous episodes of transient alternating loss of vision for several days.

Results: Temporal artery biopsy showed vasculitis with a giant cell component.

Conclusions: Alternating amaurosis fugax in an elderly patient suggests arteritis rather than atheromatous disease, and temporal artery biopsy should be considered.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Biopsy
  • Blindness / diagnosis*
  • Blindness / drug therapy
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Giant Cell Arteritis / diagnosis*
  • Giant Cell Arteritis / drug therapy
  • Glucocorticoids / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Prednisone / therapeutic use
  • Temporal Arteries / pathology

Substances

  • Glucocorticoids
  • Prednisone