An unusual cause of macular infarction: protein-losing enteropathy

Protein-losing enteropathy is a multisystem disorder characterized by abnormally high loss of plasma proteins in the gastrointestinal tract. In addition to loss of plasma proteins there is also loss of anticoagulant globulins leading to a prothrombotic state in the body. Single case observation. The patient developed unilateral macular infarction with non-embolic cerebral infarct due to loss of Antithrombin 3 and Protein S proteins in the gastrointestinal tract. The patient had poor recovery of vision due to severe ischemic retinal injury. The gastroenterology team should be on an alert to rule out prothrombotic states in such patients to prevent such complications.