Bilateral severe visual loss in a patient with acute pancreatitis: Purtscher-like Retinopathy

Abstract

Purtscher retinopathy is a unilateral or bilateral visual loss following acute injury to the thorax or head. It is characterized by large cotton-wool spots, hemorrhages, and retinal edema. Vision loss may be permanent due to isquemia of the retina, and optic atrophy. Is thought to be a result of injury-induced complement ativation causing granulocyte aggregation and leukoembolization. Other conditions may active complement and may produce similar fundus appearance including acute pancreatitis, collagen-vascular disease, childbirth, and amniotic fluid embolism. Herein, we describe a patient with bilateral permanent visual loss following diagnosis of acute pancreatitis.