Unilateral Branch Retinal Artery Occlusion in a Patient with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

A 31-year-old woman with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) experienced unilateral branch retinal artery occlusion (BRAO) in her left eye, leading to sudden vision loss and macular edema. Initial treatments were ineffective, but systemic SLE treatment with methylprednisolone and mycophenolate mofetil restored her vision to 20/20 and reduced macular edema. This case underscores the rarity of BRAO as a primary manifestation of SLE retinopathy and the importance of considering SLE in patients with unexplained retinal vascular occlusions. The patient had no vision loss or recurrence over a one-year follow-up, highlighting the potential of systemic immunotherapy in treating SLE retinopathy.