Purpose:
To report a case of central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) associated with subacute Streptococcus gordonii endocarditis secondary to a dental infection. Observations. A 27-year-old male presented with acute monocular vision loss in the setting of a stroke and seizure. A fundus exam revealed macular whitening and a cherry-red spot. Edema of the inner retinal layers was confirmed on macular optical coherence tomography, consistent with CRAO. Initial imaging (carotid Doppler, EKG, and transthoracic echocardiography) and a comprehensive laboratory workup did not reveal an etiology for the stroke or vision loss. Brain magnetic resonance imaging showed T1 hyperintensity with surrounding edema, which prompted a workup for possible septic emboli versus occult malignancy. Subsequent blood cultures led to the detection and diagnosis of Streptococcus gordonii endocarditis. It was subsequently revealed that the patient had self-extracted his molar two months prior to the onset of symptoms.
Conclusions:
Endocarditis has been associated with Roth spots and inflammatory findings in the posterior segment. However, CRAO caused by vegetal septic embolism is rare. To our knowledge, this represents the first reported case of endocarditic CRAO with Streptococcus gordonii confirmed as the causative microbe. Retinal vascular occlusion in a young patient with no distinct risk factors should prompt a comprehensive dental history and infectious workup, with consideration given to early transesophageal echocardiography.