Purtscher's retinopathy following blunt chest compression
Kita, Y.; Kobayashi, R.; Nogimura, H.; Koreyasu, R.; Yakuwa, K.; Nishino, Y.; Fukuhara, N.; Hongo, K.; Miyato, H.; Ishihara, Y.; Takabayashi, N.; Hiramatsu, T.
Kyobu Geka. Japanese Journal of Thoracic Surgery 67(7): 557-559
2014
ISSN/ISBN: 0021-5252 PMID: 25137326 Document Number: 673655
Following chest or abdominal injury, acute blurring of vision occurs without direct eye injury. This disease is known as Purtscher's retinopathy. A 74-year-old man suffered blunt chest injury by air bag inflation at traffic accident. Next morning, he suddenly complained of visual abnormality. An ophthalmoscopy revealed multiple cotton-wool exudation and retinal edema. He was diagnosed as Purtscher's retinopathy. The symptoms of soft exudation and retinal edema gradually resolved. The visual acuity gradually improved, but not reached to the previous level. We must be aware of this retinopathy, since this is rare but sometimes sight-threatening condition.