A 72-year-old presents with sudden painless monocular visual loss. Fundus shows diffuse retinal whitening, optic disc swelling, cherry-red spot at the fovea, and a 'box-carring' appearance of retinal arteries. The diagnosis is:
- A Central retinal vein occlusion
- B Central retinal artery occlusion ✓
- C Ischaemic optic neuropathy
- D Acute retinal necrosis
Correct answer: B. Central retinal artery occlusion
Explanation
Central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) presents with sudden painless visual loss and characteristic fundus findings: diffuse retinal oedema/whitening (ischaemic cytotoxic oedema of the inner retina), cherry-red spot at the fovea (choroidal circulation visible through the thin foveal centre), arterial attenuation with segmentation ('box-carring' or 'cattle-trucking'), and a pale disc. CRVO shows flame haemorrhages in all quadrants with dilated veins. AION shows segmental disc oedema without retinal whitening.
Reference: Khurana Comprehensive Ophthalmology, 7th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.