[Retinochoroidopathy and systemic state in toxemia of pregnancy]

We carried out a retrospective study of 74 patients with toxemia of pregnancy with reference to retinochoroidal complications. Thirty-two patients (43.2%) had overt retinochoroidal disease; 23 cases (group A) showed retinal hemorrhages and cotton-wool spots compatible with hypertensive retinopathy, while 9 cases (Group B) had widespread serous retinal detachment associated with choroidal vasculopathy. There was no significant difference between the two groups in the severity of toxemia of pregnancy, in the hematologic examinations or in the fetal prognosis, although Group A showed a higher rate of fetal mortality, and Group B had a more significantly decreased platelet count and lower concentration of fibrinogen that may indicate a mild form of chronic disseminated intravascular coagulopathy.