Serous retinal detachments in thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura

Serous retinal detachments are a rare ocular complication of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), with only six previous case reports in the literature. We have recently observed two patients with relapsing TTP who developed bilateral serous retinal detachments during acute exacerbations of their disease. In contrast to all but one of the previously described patients, both of our patients survived the episode during which retinal detachments occurred. Hypertension appears to contribute to the development of retinal detachments in TTP, and vigorous efforts at blood pressure control are indicated. Serous retinal detachments may be a more frequent component of chronic relapsing TTP than has been suspected.