Amaurosis fugax caused by lesion/atherosclerosis in-
**Question:** Amaurosis fugax caused by lesion/atherosclerosis in-
A. Cerebral arteries
B. Coronary arteries
C. Carotid arteries
D. Ophthalmic artery
**Core Concept:** Amaurosis fugax is a transient loss of vision due to acute arterial occlusion. Atherosclerosis is a condition involving the buildup of fatty substances, calcium, and cholesterol in the arterial walls, leading to narrowing or blockage.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right:** Cerebral arteries are the primary vessels supplying blood to the brain. A lesion or atherosclerosis in cerebral arteries can cause amaurosis fugax due to temporary blockage of blood flow, impairing vision.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect:**
A. Coronary arteries are responsible for supplying blood to the heart, not the visual system. A lesion in coronary arteries would affect the heart, not vision.
B. The coronary arteries are responsible for supplying blood to the heart, not the visual system. A lesion in coronary arteries would affect the heart, not vision.
C. Carotid arteries are the primary vessels supplying blood to the brain and the eyes. A lesion or atherosclerosis in carotid arteries can cause amaurosis fugax due to temporary blockage of blood flow, impairing vision. The correct answer is not D (ophthalmic artery), as it supplies blood to the eye, not the brain.
**Clinical Pearl:** Amaurosis fugax due to atherosclerosis in carotid arteries highlights the importance of assessing vascular risk factors, such as hypertension, diabetes, and smoking, in identifying patients at risk for cardiovascular diseases. Early intervention and management of these risk factors can prevent or delay the onset of more severe conditions like stroke.
**Correct Answer:** C. Carotid arteries
***Explanation:***
Amaurosis fugax is a clinical presentation where vision is transiently impaired due to an acute occlusion of a blood vessel supplying the brain and eyes. In this case, the correct answer is C, carotid arteries, as they are the primary vessels supplying blood to the brain and eyes, which can lead to amaurosis fugax due to temporary blockage of blood flow. The other options (A and B) are not relevant because they supply blood to the heart, not the visual system. The D option is incorrect as the ophthalmic artery supplies blood to the eye, not the brain, making it unrelated to amaurosis fugax.