DR. GLADYS RODRIGUES

Dr. TEENA MARIET MENDONCA, DR. HARSHITA HIRAN, Dr.Gurudutt Mulky Kamath, DR. VALLABHANENI SIDDHARTH

Abstract

Purtscher’s retinopathy is a rare ocular condition presenting with visual loss characterized by areas of retinal whitening called Purtscher’s flecken present between the arterioles and venules with hemorrhages surrounding a normal looking optic disc. It is usually seen following trauma, fractures of the long bones, compressive injuries or surgical procedures. A similar retina picture when seen following various systemic conditions like pancreatitis, childbirth, fat embolism, or connective tissue diseases is termed as Purtscher’s like retinopathy. Some cases may show spontaneous resolution but most studies recommend treatment with intravenous steroids. We describe three cases that presented to us with the clinical picture of Purtscher’s like retinopathy with completely varied etiologies. Complete ocular and systemic workup is important for correct diagnosis and early treatment of Purtscher’s retinopathy to prevent permanent vision loss.