Ischaemic optic neuropathy and retinopathy associated with acute pancreatitis

A man with previously undiagnosed chronic renal failure developed acute pancreatitis. He had severe abdominal pain and simultaneous loss of vision. Ophthalmoscopy showed pale, swollen optic discs, soft exudates and superficial retinal haemorrhages similar to that of Purtscher's retinopathy. We suggest that the ocular changes may be due to fat microemboli secondary to acute pancreatitis.