Point-of-care ultrasonography of the orbit for detection of retinal detachment in a patient with hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count syndrome.
Retinal detachment is a rare, but well-known cause of visual impairment in patients with hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count (HELLP) syndrome. With supportive care, patients usually improve, with complete recovery of vision. Bedside ultrasonography of the orbit can be helpful for early detection of retinal detachment in these patients. Here, we present a case of HELLP syndrome presenting with severe visual symptoms. Retinal detachment was detected with point-of-care ocular sonography, which was confirmed with ophthalmoscopic examination. The patient was reassured of the favorable prognosis. Early initiation of aggressive supportive care was followed by progressive improvement of vision, which correlated with sonographic evidence of resolution of detachment. Her vision recovered completely in 2 weeks.
Department of Anaesthesiology, Institute of Medicine, Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal.
Gentle Sunder
GS
Shrestha
Department of Critical Care Medicine, Alka Hospital Pvt. Ltd., Ekantakuna, Lalitpur, Nepal.
Shayuja
S
Rajbhandari
Department of Ophthalmology, Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology, Kathmandu, Nepal.
Shashwat
S
Dhungel
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Alka Hospital Pvt. Ltd., Lalitpur, Nepal.
Nutan
N
Sharma
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Alka Hospital Pvt. Ltd., Lalitpur, Nepal.
Nimesh
N
Poudel
Department of Nephrology, Nepal Medical College and Teaching Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal.
Dhiraj N
DN
Manandhar
Hemolysis; and low platelet count syndrome; elevated liver enzymes; point-of-care ultrasonography; retinal detachment
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