Non-Arteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy (NAION) Following a Hypovolemic Episode of Gastric Bleeding

Cureus. 2020 Nov 22;12(11):e11627. doi: 10.7759/cureus.11627.

Abstract

Non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) is a rare complication following acute bleeding. Patients present with varying vision loss and visual field defects. NAION is more commonly developed in patients with systemic disorders that may affect normal blood flow such as hypertension and diabetes. In this case, we report a 54-year-old man who complained of vision blurring following an episode of acute gastric bleeding. This report aims to review the pathology of this condition and present the findings of newer non-invasive imaging modalities of the vascular layers of the posterior pole of the eye like optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA), which facilitates the proper diagnosis and prognosis of such cases. Finally, we present the management options for this patient with antiplatelet treatment.

Keywords: anterior ischemic optic neuropathy; hypoperfusion; hypovolemia; optic nerve.

Publication types

  • Case Reports