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Recurrent hyphema in an aphakic child: Swan syndrome
A M Carrasquillo1, B K Gupta, J T Wilensky
1Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, 60126, USA.
Summary
Swan syndrome, a rare cause of recurrent hyphema after eye surgery, involves abnormal vessel growth at the wound site. This case highlights its occurrence in a pediatric patient following cataract extraction.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Vascular Biology
Background:
- Swan syndrome, characterized by recurrent intraocular bleeding, arises from abnormal vascularization at surgical wound sites.
- It has been documented after various anterior segment surgeries, including cataract extraction and glaucoma procedures.
Observation:
- Patients often present with sudden, painless blurred vision or are asymptomatic, with hyphema detected during routine exams.
- Diagnosis requires gonioscopic visualization of abnormal wound vessels, which can be subtle without active bleeding.
Findings:
- This report details the first known case of Swan syndrome in a pediatric patient, a 16-month-old boy, following cataract extraction.
- The condition, previously unreported in children, manifested with recurrent intraocular bleeding.
Implications:
- Swan syndrome should be considered in the differential diagnosis of hyphema in pediatric patients undergoing anterior segment surgery.
- Increased awareness is crucial for timely diagnosis and management in this underrepresented population.