Central retinal artery occlusion after manipulation of the neck by a chiropractor.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To document a case of central retinal artery occlusion after chiropractic treatment. METHODS: An 87-year-old man suffered a central retinal artery occlusion immediately after chiropractic neck manipulation. RESULTS: A magnetic resonance angiogram showed an atherosclerotic plaque in the ipsilateral carotid artery, which probably shed emboli during cervical joint mobilization. CONCLUSION: The carotid arteries should be approached carefully in patients with known or suspected atherosclerotic disease of the carotid arteries.