Sequential multifocal electroretinogram findings in a case of Purtscher-like retinopathy.
OBJECTIVE
To report the multifocal electroretinographic findings of a patient with pancreatitis-associated Purtscher-like retinopathy.


METHODS
Observational case report.


METHODS
A 20-year-old man with a history of alcohol abuse and acute pancreatitis underwent multifocal electroretinography (mfERG; 103-scaled hexagons, 8-minute recording time) at 1 week, 4 weeks, and 6 months after the onset of the retinopathy.


RESULTS
At 1 week, the patient had extensive cotton- wool spots in the posterior pole bilaterally, and visual acuity was significantly reduced. Both the A-waves and B-waves of the mfERG were depressed in the corresponding areas. At 4 weeks, neither visual acuity nor mfERG showed improvement, although the cotton-wool spots had resolved. Interestingly, at 6 months, visual acuity had improved significantly in the left eye, consistent with increased ratios of mfERG responses for the central area.


CONCLUSIONS
There was no selective reduction of b-waves of the mfERG as anticipated in isolated inner retinal pathology. In this case, both the A-waves and B-waves were reduced, suggesting damage to both outer and inner retinal layers.
Haq
Faisal
F
Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, University of Illinois at Chicago, 60612, USA.
Vajaranant
Thasarat S
TS
Szlyk
Janet P
JP
Pulido
Jose S
JS
D000208:Acute Disease; D000328:Adult; D004596:Electroretinography / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010195:Pancreatitis / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology; D012160:Retina / Q000502:physiology*; D012164:Retinal Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D013997:Time Factors; D014792:Visual Acuity