VASOSPASTIC AMAUROSIS FUGAX IN A PATIENT WITH OVERLAP COLLAGENOSIS TREATED WITH NIMODIPINE

Vasospasm has been discussed as a less frequent cause oi amaurosis fug ax. Since its direct demonstration is difficult, its diagnosis is usua lly based on the exclusion of other causes and/or response to calcium entry blockers. We describe diagnosis and successful treatment of vaso spastic amaurosis fugax in a patient with systemic autoimmune disease: A 54 year-old patient with an overlap collagenosis presented with rel apsing episodes of transient monocular blindness. Angiography and tran scranial Doppler scanning revealed a high-grade stenosis of the left o phthalmic artery. After administration of oral nimodipine the attacks ceased immediately and repeated Doppler examinations confirmed resolut ion of the stenosis. We infer that vasospasm oi inflammatory altered c erebral vessels may contribute to focal neurological deficits in patie nts with systemic autoimmune disease. Calcium entry blockers should be discussed as a possible treatment in patients with systemic autoimmun e disease and evidence of functional disturbances of cerebral blood fl ow.