[Pathogenesis of Purtscher's retinopathy and Purtscher-like retinopathy]

Abstract

Purpose: The pathogenesis of Purtscher's retinopathy (PR) or Purtscher-like retinopathy (PIR) is illustrated on two case reports.

Material and 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.