Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy as a Paraneoplastic Manifestation of Colorectal Cancer

Non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) is one of the most common causes of acute optic nerve-related vision loss. Its non-arteritic form is strongly associated with vascular risk factors. The role of systemic inflammation in its pathophysiology has increasingly been recognized, and it may coexist with prothrombotic or neoplastic states. We present the case of a patient with sudden vision loss and a diagnosis of NAION in the context of unexplained systemic inflammation, during the workup of which an underlying colorectal carcinoma was identified. This case highlights the importance of a comprehensive clinical approach to ischemic events, including the investigation of underlying inflammatory and neoplastic causes.