Recurrent vascular obstructions from left atrial myxoma

Abstract

A 55-year-old male presented with acute visual loss secondary to obstruction of the left central retinal artery in association with evidence of embolization to the middle cerebral artery. Systemic evaluation including echocardiography suggested atrial myxoma, which was confirmed by surgery. Two years previously, the patient experienced obstruction of the left popliteal artery, however, extensive cardiovascular evaluation including echocardiography at that time was normal. Ophthalmologists and neurologists should consider this diagnosis in patients with acute central retinal artery obstruction, especially in young patients where evidence of multifocal embolization has occurred.