[Pathogenesis of Purtscher's retinopathy and Purtscher-like retinopathy].
OBJECTIVE
The pathogenesis of Purtscher's retinopathy (PR) or Purtscher-like retinopathy (PIR) is illustrated on two case reports.


METHODS
Five patients with PR or PIR were examined ophthalmologically. Fluorescein angiography, fundus photography, visual field testing, and electroretinography were also performed.


RESULTS
In three cases, the PIR was observed after acute pancreatitis, in one case it arosed from cryoglobulinemy, because of hepatitis C, and in one case it was due to a classic PR after the thorax trauma. In the case of a slow resolution of retinal edema, atrophy of the retinal pigment epithelium and optic nerve, occurred. The therapy has been based on the internal medicine treatment of the causal disease and the administration of corticosteroids, to reduce retinal edema.


CONCLUSIONS
PR and PIR are interdisciplinary diseases caused by microembolization of retinal vessels. If changes are intensive and long lasting, visual prognosis is poor.
Holak
Heinrich
H
Kliniki Okulistycznej w Centrum Medycznym im. Rudolfa Virchowa w Salzgitter.
Holak
Nikolai
N
Huzarska
Małgorzata
M
Holak
Sophie
S
D000328:Adult; D004596:Electroretinography; D004617:Embolism / Q000150:complications*; D005260:Female; D005451:Fluorescein Angiography; D005654:Fundus Oculi; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012164:Retinal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D014787:Vision Tests