Introduction
Catheter ablation is an important therapy for atrial fibrillation
(AF).1 Although there is abundant evidence that
catheter ablation is superior to antiarrhythmic drugs, there is a small
but definite probability of complications in the periprocedural
period.1 Two of the major complications of AF ablation
are stroke and other thromboembolic events. Previous studies have
reported incidences of thromboembolism associated with AF ablation of
0%–7%.2
Central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) is an ophthalmic emergency
because it causes sudden and severe visual loss.3Prompt treatment is needed because ischemic damage to the retina is
irreversible from 4 h of onset.3
Embolism is the main cause of CRAO, and the main sources of embolism are
the carotid artery and the heart.4 AF is known as a
risk factor for retinal vessel occlusion,5 and some
previous studies have reported on catheterization procedures as the
cause of CRAO.6,7 However, no case reports are
available on CRAO related to AF ablation.
We report a case of CRAO in the postprocedural period of AF ablation.