Cortical blindness as a complication of eclampsia.

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Neurology
• Ophthalmology

Background:

• Eclampsia, a severe complication of pre-eclampsia, typically presents with seizures.
• Cortical blindness is an uncommon but significant neurological manifestation of eclampsia.
• This case involved a patient with no prior diagnosis of pre-eclampsia who presented with sudden vision loss.

Observation:

• A patient presented with acute cortical blindness, later diagnosed with eclampsia.
• She had a history of lost prenatal follow-up and was not previously diagnosed with preeclampsia.
• Cranial computed tomography (CT) scan revealed findings consistent with hypertensive encephalopathy.

Findings:

• The patient received standard eclampsia treatment, including magnesium sulfate and blood pressure control with hydralazine.
• Labor was induced, and she delivered a term infant.
• Postpartum, her vision returned completely, and all other symptoms resolved without lasting effects.

Implications:

• Cortical blindness can be a reversible presenting symptom of eclampsia.
• This case underscores the critical need for timely diagnosis and management of eclampsia to prevent severe maternal morbidity.
• Further research into the pathophysiology of visual disturbances in eclampsia is warranted.