Purtscher-like retinopathy: Case report of a rare complication of acute on chronic pancreatitis

Abstract

Purtscher’s retinopathy is an occlusive micro-vasculopathy causing sudden onset visual loss in trauma. Similar retinal appearance is observed as a rare complication of acute pancreatitis which is identified as Purtscher-like retinopathy (PulR). We report the case of a 15-year-old girl diagnosed to have acute on chronic pancreatitis who noticed a sudden onset loss of vision in the left eye and was found to have significantly diminished visual acuity. A dilated fundoscopic examination demonstrated pathognomonic Purtscher flecken, multiple retinal haemorrhages, cotton wool spots and macular oedema. A clinical diagnosis of PulR was made in the setting of acute on chronic pancreatitis. Optical coherence tomography was used to support the diagnosis and to monitor response to therapy. Given the variable prognosis with no evidence-based therapies available, she had a subjective improvement in visual acuity with administration of intravitreal steroids and observation with management of the acute episode of pancreatitis. Knowledge and awareness of this rare condition will enable its early detection and the search for newer therapies.