Bilateral retinal hemorrhages from megaloblastic anemia: case report and review of literature.
A 33-year-old woman who was a chronic alcohol abuser and had bilateral visual loss was found to have megaloblastic anemia with thrombocytopenia. Both fundi showed retinal venular dilatation and tortuosity, superficial and deep intraretinal hemorrhages, white-centered retinal hemorrhages, and optic disc edema. Her megaloblastic anemia was caused by vitamin B12 and folate deficiencies, resulting from an inadequate diet and alcohol abuse. The retinal changes were believed to be the result of the severe anemia and thrombocytopenia. Both the megaloblastic anemia and retinal changes resolved promptly after she received vitamin B12 and folate supplements. This case shows that megaloblastic anemia should be suspected as a cause of bilateral retinal hemorrhages.
Lam
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Department of Ophthalmology, University of Illinois Hospital Eye and Ear Infirmary, Chicago.
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D000328:Adult; D000749:Anemia, Megaloblastic / Q000150:complications*; D005260:Female; D005451:Fluorescein Angiography; D005654:Fundus Oculi; D006801:Humans; D012166:Retinal Hemorrhage / Q000209:etiology*; D013921:Thrombocytopenia / Q000150:complications; D014792:Visual Acuity