Purtscher Retinopathy

Excerpt

Purtscher retinopathy (traumatic retinal angiopathy or lymphorrhagia retinae or retinal teletraumatism) is an occlusive microvasculopathy characterized by multiple retinal white areas around the optic nerve head and fovea with paravascular clearing, which may be associated with intraretinal hemorrhages. Purtscher flecken, cotton wool spots, and minimal intraretinal hemorrhage are typical features. Management depends on the cause, and the role of systemic steroid need further evaluation. Typical Purtscher retinopathy described by Otmar Purtscher has features like severe visual decline after head trauma. In the initial report, it was noted to be associated with multiple superficial retinal white patches, retinal hemorrhages, and optic disc edema. When features like Purtscher retinopathy presents without a history of frank trauma, it is called Purtscher-like retinopathy.