Amaurosis fugax associated with antiphospholipid antibodies

In more than 50% of amaurosis fugax patients under 45 years of age no cause for the episodes of visual loss is identifiable. We have encountered 6 young adults (4 women and 2 men) with episodes of amaurosis fugax associated with elevated levels of antiphospholipid antibodies. Splinter hemorrhages of the nail beds were present in most patients. Treatment with antiplatelet medications and anticoagulants appeared to reduce the frequency of episodes and might prevent central retinal artery occlusions or stroke.