title: Valsalva retinopathy in pregnancy: a case report.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Valsalva retinopathy is a unilateral or bilateral condition that occurs when increased intra-thoracic or intra-abdominal pressure transmitted to the eye causes a sharp rise in the intra-ocular venous pressure, and rupture of superficial retinal capillaries. The patient often gives a history of a recent strenuous physical act, which could have increased the intra-thoracic pressure. Pregnancy is known to be a risk factor for Valsalva retinopathy.
  
  
  METHODS
  A 23-year-old woman in her seventh month of pregnancy presented with a history of decreased vision in her left eye of one-week duration. Examination of the affected eye showed best corrected visual acuity of 20/50, and fundus examination revealed a pre-retinal hemorrhage located in the macula. Based on clinical findings, the diagnosis of Valsalva retinopathy was made.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Retinal hemorrhages can be generated by Valsalva maneuvers. Pregnancy is a known risk factor for Valsalva retinopathy; however, the diagnosis should be made only after excluding other causes of retinal hemorrhages. It is a self-limited event. We report a case of Valsalva retinopathy complicating normal pregnancy and confirm that, to date, there is no evidence to indicate that there is a risk of recurrence following spontaneous vaginal delivery.
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Alkhod, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman. mujainisqu@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Abdullah S
authors.initials: AS
authors.lastname: Al-Mujaini
authors.forename: Carolina C
authors.initials: CC
authors.lastname: Montana