[Multiple ischemic infarction in the retina and uvea due to crystalline corticosteroid embolisms following subcutaneous facial infections (author's transl)].

Segmental ischemic infarctions in the uvea and retina were seen following injections of crystalline cortisone into keloids in the ipsilateral forehead skin. Seven similar cases described in the recent literature--also mainly due to crystalline corticosteroids--and several cases due to paraffin treatment, dating from the early years of this century, are discussed. The morphological basis of this rare, though typical, complication is the function of the ophthalmic artery as a bridging artery between the extracranial and intracranial circulation. An increase in pressure in branches of the external carotid artery--caused, for example, by peribulbar or facial injections--results in a reversal of flow and can lead to ischemic infarctions in the eye and orbit if embolizing substances are injected.