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Development of Purtscher-like retinopathy after pre-eclampsia combined with acute pancreatitis
Sun Young Jeon1, Eui Jung, Hyun Joo Seol
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kyung Hee University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
Insights
Pre-eclampsia can cause visual disturbances. A rare case shows Purtscher-like retinopathy and pancreatitis developing after pre-eclampsia, potentially leading to lasting vision loss.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Obstetrics
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Visual disturbances are common in pre-eclampsia.
- Obstetricians need awareness of visual impairment causes.
- Pre-eclampsia requires careful monitoring for potential complications.
Observation:
- A 33-year-old pregnant woman with pre-eclampsia developed acute pancreatitis and Purtscher-like retinopathy post-cesarean section.
- Symptoms included abdominal pain and decreased visual acuity.
- Diagnosis confirmed via ophthalmologic exam and CT scan.
Findings:
- Purtscher-like retinopathy is rare in pre-eclampsia, typically associated with trauma.
- Unlike other transient visual issues in pre-eclampsia, this can cause persistent vision impairment.
- Co-occurrence with acute pancreatitis is highly unusual.
Implications:
- Early ophthalmologic evaluation is crucial for pre-eclampsia patients with persistent visual complaints.
- Prompt diagnosis and management can mitigate long-term vision damage.
- This case highlights the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in managing complex obstetric cases.
Abstract:
Visual disturbances are common among women with pre-eclampsia. The obstetricians should have an understanding of the various conditions associated with visual impairments. We report a case of Purtscher-like retinopathy developed after pre-eclampsia combined with acute pancreatitis. A 33-year-old primigravida with twin pregnancy was admitted to the department of obstetrics and gynecology for preterm labor and pre-eclampsia at 36+4 weeks gestation. After a cesarean section, she complained of abdominal pain and visual acuity loss. She was diagnosed with Purtscher-like retinopathy combined with acute pancreatitis after ophthalmologic examination and an abdominal computed tomography scan. Purtscher-like retinopathy, most often observed after trauma, is very rare in pre-eclampsia. In addition, while visual disturbances from other conditions are transient, it can result in persistent visual impairments. Thus, when a patient with pre-eclampsia complains of visual problems for a long period of time, obstetricians should consider an ophthalmologic evaluation and treatments during the earliest stage of the disease.
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