# Non-arteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy Sequela From Potential COVID-19-Associated Coagulopathy

**Authors:** Sanad Naber, Nadia Alinaghizadeh, Amy Kotecha

PMC · DOI: 10.7759/cureus.52158 · Cureus · 2024-01-12

## TL;DR

A woman developed vision loss seven months after a confirmed COVID-19 infection, possibly due to blood clotting issues linked to the virus.

## Contribution

This case report suggests a possible link between COVID-19 and non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy.

## Key findings

- A post-menopausal woman experienced sudden vision loss seven months after a confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection.
- MRI scans ruled out other causes, leading to a diagnosis of non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION).
- The case highlights a potential connection between COVID-19-induced coagulopathy and ophthalmologic complications like NAION.

## Abstract

We report a case involving a post-menopausal female who experienced a sudden loss of peripheral vision in her right eye seven months after a confirmed COVID-19 infection. MRI scans of the brain and orbit excluded neuritis and multiple sclerosis, leading to the diagnosis of non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION). It is known that the intense inflammatory condition resulting from acute respiratory distress syndrome triggered by SARS-CoV-2 infections can result in a heightened tendency for blood clot formation. Emerging research underscores the potential link between the likelihood of a thrombotic event in the eye as a consequence of COVID-19 infection and the development of NAION. The connection between NAION and COVID-19, whether it is correlative or coincidental, remains uncertain. However, this case report aims to present evidence for the plausibility of this link and offer insights into potential ophthalmologic complications caused by COVID-19.

## Linked entities

- **Diseases:** non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (MONDO:0000499), multiple sclerosis (MONDO:0005301), acute respiratory distress syndrome (MONDO:0006502), COVID-19 (MONDO:0100096)

## Full-text entities

- **Diseases:** multiple sclerosis (MESH:D009103), Coagulopathy (MESH:D001778), neuritis (MESH:D009443), inflammatory (MESH:D007249), Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy (MESH:D018917), loss of peripheral vision (MESH:D014786), thrombotic (MESH:D013927), COVID-19 (MESH:D000086382), acute respiratory distress syndrome (MESH:D012128), blood clot formation (MESH:D058426)

## Full text

_Full body text omitted from this summary view._ Fetch the complete paper as Markdown: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC10859062/full.md

## Figures

6 figures with captions in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC10859062/full.md

## References

20 references — full list in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC10859062/full.md

---
Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC10859062