Nonrhegmatogenous retinal detachment in Goodpasture's syndrome: a case report and discussion of the clinicopathologic entity

Abstract

Background: Goodpasture's syndrome is a rare, rapidly fatal disease that consists of glomerulonephritis and pulmonary hemorrhage. Although not common, the ophthalmic manifestations of this disease include hemorrhagic and/or exudative retinopathy and infrequently, nonrhegmatogenous retinal detachment.

Methods: A 25-year-old white male was examined with a complaint of bilateral intermittent blurring of vision. His medical history revealed a diagnosis of Goodpasture's syndrome with subsequent renal failure and associated complications. Ophthalmoscopy and visual field testing demonstrated bilateral, inferior nonrhegmatogenous retinal detachments.

Results: Optimum control of both blood pressure and metabolic processes were recommended to increase the chance of resolution of the nonrhegmatogenous retinal detachments.

Conclusions: Although infrequently seen in Goodpasture's syndrome, nonrhegmatogenous retinal detachment may have a good prognosis for recovery when diagnosed early and with treatment of the underlying disease and its metabolic derangements.