European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

VISION LOSS: AN ATYPICAL PRESENTATION OF ATRIAL MYXOMA

Dr. Savitha Arun, *Dr. Chandan Latha Rao, Dr. Mohan Raj, Dr. Shibi Dev, Dr. Sri Ganesh

ABSTRACT

We are reporting a unique case of Anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (AION) where ophthalmic complaints were the first and only complaints of the patient with atrial myxoma. A young female of 24 years presented to us with sudden unilateral painless loss of vision in her left eye for one day, also associated with intermittent pain in the pulp of the fingers. On complete eye evaluation she was diagnosed as left eye AION with a component of posterior ischemic optic neuropathy (PION). On further investigation Atrial myxoma was found to be the reason for the ischemia. Though atrial myxoma has varied presentation, visual loss as the presenting symptom is very rare. She was treated for the primary cause, with no significant improvement in the vision. Emboli due to atrial myxoma leads to lacunar infarcts in brain and AION or PION leading to sudden painless loss of vision. Early diagnosis and adequate management can prevent further serious complications and involvement of other eye.

Keywords: Atrial myxoma, sudden painless loss of vision, emboli, PION/AION.