Terson's syndrome--significance of ocular findings

Ocular findings of three patients with Terson's syndrome are presented. Two patients had a ruptured intracranial aneurysm, and one had a subdural hematoma. Ocular findings included retinal, preretinal, and vitreous hemorrhages. Vitreous hemorrhage may be delayed in onset and may require vitrectomy if persistent. The eye findings are characteristic but not pathognomonic of this syndrome. The authors emphasize the diagnostic and prognostic importance of ocular findings in patients with spontaneous intracranial hemorrhages. Some of the primary theories of the syndrome are reviewed.