Valsalva maneuver induced vitreous hemorrhage.
BACKGROUND
A 43 year old male who performed a severe and sustained Valsalva maneuver developed a vitreous hemorrhage that was suspected as originating from an optic nerve vessel. Valsalva hemorrhagic retinopathy is not a common ocular finding and a breakthrough into the vitreous is even more uncommon. The vitreous hemorrhage cleared with recovery of previous acuity levels and a residua of small areas of fibrosis in the inferior vitreous. A discussion of the physiology of the Valsalva maneuver and of possible ocular and nonocular complications is presented. There is also a discussion of how this maneuver is used in the diagnosis of orbital diseases.


CONCLUSIONS
In this case a vitreous hemorrhage was induced by a marked and sustained Valsalva maneuver which resolved without significant sequelae. The Valsalva maneuver is capable of causing many ocular complications; it is important to advise patients about the potential side effects of this maneuver.
Jones
W L
WL
VA Medical Center, Albuquerque, NM 87108, USA.
D000328:Adult; D005654:Fundus Oculi; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D014463:Ultrasonography; D014636:Valsalva Maneuver; D014792:Visual Acuity; D014823:Vitreous Hemorrhage / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology