Purtscher-like retinopathy and primary hypereosinophilic syndrome association

The purpose of this study was to describe a patient who presented with a Purtscherlike retinopathy and subsequent diagnosis of primary hypereosinophilic syndrome.

Observational case report.

A 39-year-old woman presented with a 10-day history of blurry vision and urticarial skin rash. Retinoscopic examination demonstrated bilateral cotton wool spots in the posterior pole, Purtscher flecken, and intraretinal hemorrhages. Workup included a complete history and systemic physical examination, fluorescein angiography, serum laboratory evaluation, magnetic resonance imaging of brain and orbits, pathologic analysis of skin and bone marrow biopsies, flow cytometry, and cytogenetic testing.

The diagnosis given to this patient was primary hypereosinophilic syndrome. Review of the literature reveals one previous report of this association.

The differential diagnosis of Purtscher retinopathy should include hypereosinophilic syndrome.