[Bilateral oedipism: a case report].

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Psychiatry
• Neurology

Background:

• Oedipism, or self-enucleation, is a rare manifestation of self-mutilation.
• It is most commonly observed in patients experiencing acute psychosis, with less frequent occurrences in individuals with substance use disorders or intellectual disabilities.

Observation:

• A 46-year-old male patient with a history of schizophrenia underwent self-enucleation of his left eye during a psychotic episode.
• Three years later, the same patient self-enucleated his right eye.

Findings:

• This case represents an exceptional instance of bilateral oedipism.
• The patient required emergency medical and surgical management for the bilateral eye mutilation.

Implications:

• Bilateral self-enucleation is exceptionally rare, necessitating specialized care.
• Preventing intracerebral complications, such as subarachnoid hemorrhage, is critical due to potential optic nerve traction.
• Neuropsychiatric management is essential to address the underlying psychiatric condition and prevent recurrence.