Bilateral retinal occlusion progressing to long-lasting blindness in severe preeclampsia.

Publication/Presentation Date

11-1-2002

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Temporary blindness in pregnancy associated with preeclampsia has been reported. Most cases have been attributed to cortical cerebral edema with transient vision impairment. We present a patient with bilateral retinal arteriole occlusions causing permanent blindness.

CASE: A teenage primigravida at term presented with uterine contractions and preeclampsia. Twenty-four hours after delivery she developed sudden visual loss that progressed to total bilateral blindness. Imaging studies ruled out cerebral edema and an ophthalmologic examination found retinal hemorrhages and infarcts consistent with bilateral central retinal arteriole occlusions. At 2- and 6-month follow-up there was marked persistent visual impairment.

CONCLUSION: The combination of blindness and preeclampsia is rare. Evaluation for ophthalmologic findings should be part of the initial patient assessment with preeclampsia.

Volume

100

Issue

5 Pt 1

First Page

940

Last Page

942

ISSN

0029-7844

Disciplines

Medicine and Health Sciences

PubMedID

12423856

Department(s)

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology

Document Type

Article

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