A Convergence of Ophthalmic and Life-threatening Emergencies: Acute Angle Closure Glaucoma and Subarachnoid Hemorrhage.

Publication/Presentation Date

9-1-2019

Abstract

PURPOSE: To report a unique case of acute angle closure glaucoma in the setting of a subarachnoid hemorrhage due to a ruptured cerebral aneurysm.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Observational case report and review of the literature.

RESULTS: A 75-year-old woman presented with blurry vision, nausea, vomiting, and left eye pain. She was found to have a complete third nerve palsy, with ptosis, exotropia, hypotropia, and a fixed mydriasis with resultant acute angle closure glaucoma. Pilocarpine was initiated, and neuroimaging revealed a subarachnoid hemorrhage from a ruptured posterior communicating artery aneurysm. The aneurysm was successfully coiled, and outpatient laser iridotomies were subsequently performed. Only 4 prior cases of acute angle closure glaucoma in the setting of a third nerve palsy have been reported in the literature. To our knowledge, this case is the first report of angle closure glaucoma in the setting of a subarachnoid hemorrhage.

CONCLUSIONS: This case of a complete third nerve palsy in the setting of a subarachnoid hemorrhage leading to acute angle closure highlights the importance of ruling out this life-threatening diagnosis when neurological signs of increased intracranial pressure and cranial nerve palsies are present.

Volume

28

Issue

9

First Page

151

Last Page

151

ISSN

1536-481X

Disciplines

Medicine and Health Sciences

PubMedID

31233457

Department(s)

Department of Surgery

Document Type

Article

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