A unique complication of thyroidectomy for Hashimoto's thyroiditis: central retinal artery thrombosis

• Published in: Acta chirurgica belgica Vol. 124; no. 5; p. 409
• Main Authors: Cetinoglu, Isik, Unlu, Mehmet Taner, Sit, Hatice Yasemin, Aygun, Nurcihan, Tiryaki Demir, Semra, Uludag, Mehmet
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England 01.10.2024
• Subjects: Adult; Female; Hashimoto Disease - complications; Humans; Hyperbaric Oxygenation - methods; Postoperative Complications - etiology; Postoperative Complications - therapy; Retinal Artery Occlusion - diagnosis; Retinal Artery Occlusion - etiology; Thyroidectomy - adverse effects; Hashimoto’s thyroiditis; hyperbaric oxygen therapy; thyroidectomy; complications; retinal artery thrombosis
• ISSN: 0001-5458
• DOI: 10.1080/00015458.2024.2323286

Central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) is a rare ophthalmological emergency and also a unique complication after thyroid surgery. We present the first case of CRAO following thyroid surgery in a patient with Hashimoto's thyroiditis, along with a variety of interventions to overcome this complication. A 42-year-old female patient suffering from sudden vision loss following total thyroidectomy was diagnosed with CRAO. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy was started within the postoperative first 6 hours. Although it is extremely rare, it should be noted that patients may experience retinal artery occlusion following the thyroid surgery. Immediate evaluation of patients with visual impairment in the early postoperative period, and planning of emergent hyperbaric oxygen therapy for the management are critical.