Persistent visual loss after retinochoroidal infarction in pregnancy-induced hypertension and disseminated intravascular coagulation.
A 40-year-old woman had pregnancy-induced hypertension, disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), choroidal infarction, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) high-signal abnormalities in the occipital regions. With successful treatment of the hypertension and spontaneous resolution of the DIC, the MRI signal abnormalities resolved, but visual acuity remained decreased because of damage to the retina and choroid. This case demonstrates that pregnancy-induced hypertension, particularly if combined with DIC, may produce infarction of the retina and choroid and persistent visual loss even if the effect of this condition on the occipital lobes is limited to reversible vasogenic edema.
Patel
Nishal
N
Retinal Research Unit, King's College Hospital, University of London, Denmark Hill, London SE5 9RS, England. drnish1975@yahoo.com
Riordan-Eva
Paul
P
Chong
Victor
V
D000328:Adult; D000959:Antihypertensive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001766:Blindness / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D002829:Choroid / Q000098:blood supply*; D004211:Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy; D005260:Female; D005451:Fluorescein Angiography; D006801:Humans; D046110:Hypertension, Pregnancy-Induced; D007238:Infarction / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy; D007741:Labetalol / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D010976:Platelet Count; D011247:Pregnancy; D012171:Retinal Vessels; D014792:Visual Acuity
D000959:Antihypertensive Agents; D007741:Labetalol