Related Experiment Videos
Intraretinal hemorrhage associated with leishmaniasis
Javier A Montero1, José M Ruiz-Moreno, Eugenia Sanchis
1Hospital Pio del Rio Hortega, Valladolid, Spain.
Summary
Visceral leishmaniasis can cause sudden vision loss due to retinal hemorrhages in immunocompetent adults. Prompt treatment led to complete vision recovery, highlighting this rare cause of macular hemorrhage.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Infectious Diseases
- Hematology
Background:
- Visceral leishmaniasis is a serious parasitic disease typically affecting multiple organs.
- Ocular manifestations of visceral leishmaniasis are rare, especially in immunocompetent individuals.
Observation:
- A healthy 39-year-old man experienced sudden visual acuity loss due to retinal hemorrhages.
- He also presented with pancytopenia, hepatosplenomegaly, and perianal inflammation, with positive serology for Leishmania.
Findings:
- The patient was diagnosed with visceral leishmaniasis and treated with pentavalent antimonials.
- Following treatment, visual acuity improved to 20/25 with complete resolution of retinal hemorrhages.
Implications:
- This case highlights visceral leishmaniasis as a rare but treatable cause of macular hemorrhage.
- Ophthalmologists should consider leishmaniasis in endemic areas when encountering unexplained retinal hemorrhages.