Unilateral, recurrent exudative retinal detachment in association with pansinusitis

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Otorhinolaryngology

Background:

• Exudative retinal detachment (ERD) is often associated with systemic conditions like inflammation or malignancy.
• Pansinusitis, a widespread sinus infection, is an uncommon cause of ocular complications.

Observation:

• A 65-year-old female presented with unilateral blurred vision, conjunctival injection, and eyelid swelling.
• Funduscopy revealed a 360° exudative retinal detachment in the left eye.
• Computerized tomography (CT) confirmed pansinusitis.

Findings:

• Initial treatment with systemic antibiotics led to temporary regression of the ERD.
• The ERD recurred upon cessation of antibiotics, indicating a persistent link to the sinus pathology.
• Surgical intervention, including sinus surgery and orbital decompression, resulted in significant visual acuity improvement and sustained resolution of the ERD.

Implications:

• This case underscores pansinusitis as a potential, albeit rare, cause of unilateral ERD.
• It emphasizes the necessity of thorough systemic evaluation and interdisciplinary collaboration (ophthalmology and ENT) for complex cases.
• Surgical management may be crucial for refractory cases where medical treatment fails, offering a definitive resolution.