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  • Non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy sequential to SARS-CoV-2 virus pneumonia: preventable by endothelial protection?

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Case report
Non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy sequential to SARS-CoV-2 virus pneumonia: preventable by endothelial protection?
  1. Laura Moschetta1,
  2. Giuseppe Fasolino1 and
  3. Robert W Kuijpers1,2,3
  1. 1Ophthalmology, VUB University, Brussels, Belgium
  2. 2Ophthalmology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
  3. 3Eye department, Albert Schweitzer Hospital, Dordrecht, The Netherlands
  1. Correspondence to Professor Robert W Kuijpers; robert.kuijpers{at}uzbrussel.be

Abstract

We present a case of non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy (NAION) with no ocular or systemic risk factors in a patient who recovered from a recent SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia. NAION is the most common acute optic neuropathy among individuals over 50 years of age. It results from a transient hypoperfusion of the optic nerve head circulation, especially in patients with low vascular compliance due to ocular or systemic risk factors. We attribute the ophthalmological condition to a SARS-CoV-2 virus-associated endotheliopathy that can be prevented with timely protection of endothelial function with vitamins D and K2.

  • COVID-19
  • eye
  • capillary
  • cranial nerves

This article is made freely available for use in accordance with BMJ’s website terms and conditions for the duration of the covid-19 pandemic or until otherwise determined by BMJ. You may use, download and print the article for any lawful, non-commercial purpose (including text and data mining) provided that all copyright notices and trade marks are retained.

https://bmj.com/coronavirus/usage

https://doi.org/10.1136/bcr-2020-240542

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    Footnotes

    • Contributors LM made substantial contribution examining the patient and drafting the article. GF contributed to writing the article. RWK made the conceptual input for the article, scientific interpretation and writing the manuscript.

    • Funding The authors have not declared a specific grant for this research from any funding agency in the public, commercial or not-for-profit sectors.

    • Competing interests None declared.

    • Provenance and peer review Not commissioned; externally peer reviewed.