Branch Retinal Artery Occlusion Combined with Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion in a patient with Hepatitis C Treated with Interferon and Ribavirin

Abstract

Purpose To report a case of a combined branch retinal artery and vein occlusion in a patient with hepatitis C treated with interferon and ribavirin. Methods A 29-year-old man with a 1-week history of sudden visual field defect and decrease of central visual acuity was examined. Results Ophthalmoscopy and fluorescein angiography demonstrated an ischemic whitening of the inferior hemi-retina involving part of the macular region, numerous intraretinal hemorrhages, and a significant delay in arterial and vein filling of the dye. Conclusions The findings of a retinopathy associated with interferon and ribavirin treatment of hepatitis C are important. The symptomatic permanent visual field defect and decrease of central visual acuity developing following a branch retinal artery and vein occlusion event emphasizes the need for careful and regular ocular monitoring of patients receiving interferon for hepatitis C.