Abortion and Fulminant Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension

Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) causes visual involvement secondary to papilledema but rarely presents with acute gross diminution of vision. Anemia is associated with IIH. Acute hemorrhage-related anemia causing severe sudden onset bilateral visual loss due to IIH has not been previously reported. A 28-year-old female attempted the first-trimester abortion by self-administration of oral drugs. She presented with bleeding per vaginum, followed by bilateral visual loss. Symptoms pertaining to intracranial hypertension were mild. Examination revealed pallor, normal hemodynamic parameters, bilaterally dilated pupils, bilateral lateral rectus palsy, and only perception of light in both eyes. Lumbar puncture demonstrated high pressures; neuroimaging was noncontributory. Blood transfusion and supportive therapy in the form of acetazolamide and pulse methylprednisolone improved her vision in the right eye to six of 24; optic nerve sheath fenestration was performed in the left eye. During follow-up, her vision improved to six of 24 (right) and two of 60 (left), respectively. The IIH can present with severe acute onset bilateral visual loss even if features of raised intracranial pressure are minimal or absent. Immediate correction of anemia and supportive measures may significantly improve visual outcomes in fulminant IIH without the necessity of surgery.