Purtscher's retinopathy
Purtscher's retinopathy (pronounced: PURCH-erz ret-ih-NOP-uh-thee) is a rare, acute condition that causes sudden, partial loss of vision. It is named after Otmar Purtscher, an Austrian ophthalmologist who first described the condition in 1910.
Etymology
The term "Purtscher's retinopathy" is derived from the name of its discoverer, Otmar Purtscher, and the Greek word "retina" (meaning "net") and "pathy" (meaning "disease").
Definition
Purtscher's retinopathy is a condition characterized by sudden, usually bilateral, visual impairment, often preceded by a head injury or compressive thoracic trauma. It is associated with retinal whitening, particularly in the posterior pole, and intraretinal hemorrhages.
Symptoms
The main symptom of Purtscher's retinopathy is a sudden, painless loss of vision. Other symptoms may include floaters in the vision and a decrease in color vision.
Causes
Purtscher's retinopathy is often associated with trauma, but it can also be associated with conditions such as pancreatitis, lupus, renal failure, and childbirth.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of Purtscher's retinopathy is primarily based on the clinical presentation and fundoscopic findings. Ancillary testing such as fluorescein angiography and optical coherence tomography may also be used.
Treatment
There is no specific treatment for Purtscher's retinopathy. Management is generally supportive, focusing on treating the underlying cause and managing complications.
Prognosis
The prognosis of Purtscher's retinopathy varies widely, depending on the severity of the retinal damage and the underlying cause. Some patients may recover near-normal vision, while others may have permanent visual impairment.
See also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Purtscher's retinopathy
- Wikipedia's article - Purtscher's retinopathy
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