Calcific Retinal Embolus with Branch Retinal Artery Obstruction, Severe Ipsilateral Headache and Carotid Artery Dissection

Calcific retinal emboli are often associated with branch retinal artery occlusion and typically arise from cardiac valvular disease. The association with carotid artery dissection is extremely unusual. A 27 year old healthy black male was well until he struck a deer in a motor vehicle accident. He denied any injuries at the time of the accident, but went to the emergency room one week later complaining of acute onset, severe left orbital and left-sided headache.