title: Valsalva hemorrhagic retinopathy presenting as a rare cause of impaired vision after a general anesthetic-a case report and review of the literature.
abstract: Postoperative visual loss from any cause is potentially catastrophic. We present a case of Valsalva hemorrhagic retinopathy (VHR) as a rare cause of impaired vision after an apparently uneventful general anesthetic. Previously published cases of VHR, anesthetic related and otherwise, are reviewed and the phenomenon discussed. Although VHR is considered to be rare, the events and activities with which it is associated are relatively common, both in everyday life and in the operating room. We suggest that the occurrence of VHR after anesthesia and surgery may be more frequent than previously appreciated and make recommendations for further investigations.
authors: Olive Ambulatory Surgery Center, Ballas Anesthesia Associates, 3015 N Ballas Road, St Louis, MO 63131. Electronic address: pspatane@gmail.com.
authors: Paul S
authors: PS
authors: Patane
authors: St Louis University School of Medicine, The Retina Institute, Suite 800, 1600 Brentwood Blvd, St Louis, MO 63114. Electronic address: MDKrummenacher.ThomasK@rc-stl.com.
authors: Thomas K
authors: TK
authors: Krummenacher
authors: Retina Service, WK Kellogg Eye Center, Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, Department of Pathology, University of Michigan Medical School, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, 1000 Wall St, Brehm 8326, Ann Arbor, MI 4810. Electronic address: rajeshr@med.umich.edu.
authors: Rajesh C
authors: RC
authors: Rao
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000768:Anesthesia, General / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D012166:Retinal Hemorrhage / Q000209:etiology*; D014636:Valsalva Maneuver; D014786:Vision Disorders / Q000209:etiology*