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IgA Nephropathy Associated Hypertensive Retinopathy and Purtscher-Like Retinopathy
Taha Salim Çevik1, Sena Kocaman Ata1, Yasemin Özdamar Erol1
1Department of Ophthalmology, Ankara Etlik City Hospital, Ankara, Turkey.
Insights
Purtscher-like retinopathy, often linked to the complement system, can be an indicator of severe kidney disease. Ocular findings are crucial for diagnosing systemic conditions like IgA nephropathy.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Nephrology
- Immunology
Background:
- Purtscher-like retinopathy shares similarities with Purtscher's retinopathy but arises from non-traumatic causes.
- Its pathophysiology is linked to the complement system and renal diseases contributing to hypertension.
- IgA nephropathy is a significant renal disease associated with hypertension and potential systemic complications.
Observation:
- A 22-year-old male presented with visual disturbances.
- Ophthalmic examination revealed hypertensive retinopathy and Purtscher-like retinopathy.
- Further investigations led to a diagnosis of IgA nephropathy with C3 immunocomplexes and rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis.
Findings:
- The patient exhibited a combination of hypertensive retinopathy and Purtscher-like retinopathy.
- Diagnosis confirmed IgA nephropathy with C3 immunocomplexes, indicating poor prognostic factors.
- Rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis was also identified as a co-existing condition.
Implications:
- The co-occurrence of hypertensive and Purtscher-like retinopathy signifies advanced ocular involvement.
- Ocular findings are critical for the differential diagnosis of systemic diseases.
- This case highlights the importance of considering renal and systemic health in patients with specific retinopathy presentations.
Abstract:
Purpose: Purtscher-like retinopathy is a condition similar to Purtscher's retinopathy but results from non-traumatic causes. Although its pathophysiology is not fully understood, it is thought to be related to the complement system. Renal diseases, which play a significant role in secondary hypertension, are known to be important in its etiology. Methods: Observational case report. Results: A 22-year-old man initially presented with vision-related findings, including both hypertensive retinopathy and Purtscher-like retinopathy, and on further investigation was diagnosed with IgA nephropathy with C3 immunocomplexes, a combination of poor prognostic factors, and rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis. Conclusions: The presence of both hypertensive retinopathy and Purtscher-like retinopathy in our patient indicates an advanced stage of ocular involvement. This emphasizes the critical role of ocular findings in the differential diagnosis and severity of systemic diseases.
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