Purpose: To report a case of a 20-year-old healthy patient with central retinal vein occlusion in his right eye attributable to primary antiphospholipid antibody syndrome.
Methods: A 20-year-old man with poor vision in the right eye and diffuse retinal hemorrhages was investigated for infections, autoimmune disease, diabetes, and hypertension. Testing for homocysteine, anticardiolipin antibodies, lupus anticoagulant, and functional assays for protein S and protein C was performed to detect a hypercoagulable state.
Results: Laboratory investigations revealed elevated levels of IgG and M anticardiolipin antibodies. Long-term oral anticoagulants were given to reduce the risk of future thromboses.
Conclusion: Antiphospholipid antibodies play an important role in occlusive retinal vascular disorders, especially in young patients without any conventional risk factors.