Terson syndrome

Terson Syndrome

Diagram of the eye showing potential sites of hemorrhage in Terson syndrome.

Terson syndrome is a medical condition characterized by the occurrence of vitreous hemorrhage in association with subarachnoid hemorrhage or intracranial hemorrhage. It is named after the French ophthalmologist Albert Terson, who first described the condition in 1900.

Pathophysiology

Terson syndrome occurs when there is a sudden increase in intracranial pressure due to bleeding in the brain, such as a subarachnoid hemorrhage. This increased pressure can lead to rupture of small blood vessels in the eye, resulting in hemorrhage into the vitreous body, the clear gel that fills the space between the lens and the retina.

Clinical Presentation

Patients with Terson syndrome may present with sudden loss of vision or visual disturbances. The severity of visual impairment depends on the extent of the hemorrhage. In some cases, the hemorrhage may resolve spontaneously, but in others, surgical intervention may be required to clear the blood from the vitreous cavity.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of Terson syndrome is typically made based on clinical examination and imaging studies. An ophthalmologist may use ophthalmoscopy to visualize the vitreous hemorrhage. CT scan or MRI of the brain may be performed to identify the underlying cause of the increased intracranial pressure.

Treatment

Treatment of Terson syndrome focuses on managing the underlying cause of the intracranial hemorrhage and addressing the vitreous hemorrhage. In cases where the vitreous hemorrhage does not resolve on its own, a surgical procedure called vitrectomy may be performed to remove the blood and restore vision.

Prognosis

The prognosis for patients with Terson syndrome varies depending on the severity of the intracranial hemorrhage and the extent of the vitreous hemorrhage. Early diagnosis and treatment of the underlying cause are crucial for improving outcomes.

Related Pages

• Subarachnoid hemorrhage
• Intracranial hemorrhage
• Vitreous hemorrhage
• Ophthalmology