Unusual bilateral traumatic maculopathy following whiplash injury

An unusual extensive bilateral macular oedema (MO) with spontaneous resolution occurred following a car crash accident. Qualitative and quantitative analysis of the macular region using spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and multifocal electroretinogram (mfERG) was performed daily during the first 7 days, as well as at 3 and 6 months following the accident. SD-OCT examination demonstrated extensive MO accompanied by neurosensory detachment and subretinal fluid. During the 7 days following the accident there was gradual resolution of the oedema accompanied by visual recovery. One year later no anatomical changes were observed, the mfERG showed complete recovery and visual acuity returned to normal level. Although whiplash is a common injury in motor vehicle accidents, whiplash maculopathy (WMP) is rarely reported, most likely due to underdiagnosis. Here we describe the spontaneous resolution of a severe MO after whiplash injury in a car crash accident.