Demonstration of acute retinal ischemia on diffusion weighted magnetic resonance imaging

In this case, we demonstrate the ability of diffusion weighted magnetic resonance imaging to localize retinal ischemia in a patient with acute vision loss. MRI is widely used for the evaluation of acute stroke, but there has only been one other case report showing the ability of DWI to rapidly localize retinal pathology, including central retinal artery occlusion [1]. Central retinal artery occlusion is an ocular emergency presenting with acute, painless loss of vision as a result of retinal ischemia. This case demonstrates the role of diffusion weighted imaging as an adjunctive test in the prompt diagnosis and management of central retinal artery occlusion. As the technology improves, we anticipate diffusion weighted imaging will become more sensitive for the identification of acute retinal ischemia and other retinal pathologies.