Acute central retinal artery occlusion presenting as CREST syndrome: a case report

BACKGROUND: A 75 year old lady presented with acute central retinal artery occlusion and contralateral cotton wool spots. CASE PRESENTATION: General physical examination and investigations led to a diagnosis of CREST syndrome; however, association of central retinal artery occlusion with CREST syndrome is not well known. While diabetes, systemic hypertension, carotid atherosclerosis and cardiac pathology are common causes of CRAO it is always important to rule out giant cell arteritis. CONCLUSION: This case highlights that inflammatory causes of central retinal artery occlusion other than giant cell arteritis should also be considered as a possibility to spare unnecessary use of excessive systemic corticosteroids.