Purtscher-like retinopathy associated with acute pancreatitis.
BACKGROUND
Purtscher-like retinopathy with bilateral loss of vision is a rare and severe complication that may follow acute pancreatitis.


METHODS
The case of a 35-year-old patient with acute alcoholic pancreatitis who developed sudden loss of visual acuity is described. The ophthalmoscopic examination revealed diffuse retinal whitening of the posterior pole with confluent cotton-wool spots. Fluorescein angiogram showed retinal arteriolar occlusion. The findings were compatible with Purtscher-like retinopathy. Computed tomography of the abdomen demonstrated enlarged liver and pancreas with edema and inflammation. The pathogenesis of this form of retinopathy still remains uncertain and there is no specific treatment available.
Carrera
Clayton Rocha Lara
CR
Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Rua Alexander Fleming s/n, CEP 13081-970 Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil.
Pierre
Leandro Mont'alverne
LM
Medina
Flavio Mac Cord
FM
Pierre-Filho
Paulo de Tarso Ponte
Pde T
D000208:Acute Disease; D000328:Adult; D005451:Fluorescein Angiography; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D019512:Pancreatitis, Alcoholic / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D012164:Retinal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014792:Visual Acuity