Unusual Case of Bilateral Combined Retinal Vein and Artery Occlusion – Presumably due to Leech Therapy by Hirudo medicinalis

Introduction

Retinal vein occlusion is the second most common retinal vascular disease after diabetic retinopathy. Combined retinal vein and artery occlusion is a rare entity that causes severe vision loss. It may develop due to systemic causes such as diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, or thrombophilic and septic events such as factor V Leiden mutation [1]. The prognosis is relatively poor, with complications such as neovascular glaucoma and rubeosis iridis [2]. Systemic evaluation is the cornerstone that guides the treatment; hence, the systemic cause must be revealed. The case reported here is of a patient with combined retinal vein and artery occlusion, presumably due to leech therapy by Hirudo medicinalis.

Publication History

Received: 14 June 2023

Accepted: 04 December 2023

Accepted Manuscript online:
07 December 2023

Article published online:
14 February 2024

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