Valsalva hemorrhagic retinopathy presenting as a rare cause of impaired vision after a general anesthetic—a case report and review of the literature

Abstract Postoperative visual loss from any cause is potentially catastrophic. We present a case of Valsalva hemorrhagic retinopathy (VHR) as a rare cause of impaired vision after an apparently uneventful general anesthetic. Previously published cases of VHR, anesthetic related and otherwise, are re...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of clinical anesthesia 2015-06, Vol.27 (4), p.341-346
Main Authors: Patane, Paul S., MD, MBA, Krummenacher, Thomas K., MD, Rao, Rajesh C., MD
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Anesthesia
Anesthesia & Perioperative Care
Anesthesia, General - adverse effects
Anesthesia, General - methods
Eyes & eyesight
Female
Foot diseases
Hemorrhage
Humans
Intubation
Laparoscopy
Pain Medicine
Patients
Retinal Hemorrhage - etiology
Surgery
Tomography
Valsalva Maneuver
Ventilation
Vision Disorders - etiology
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Description
Summary:Abstract Postoperative visual loss from any cause is potentially catastrophic. We present a case of Valsalva hemorrhagic retinopathy (VHR) as a rare cause of impaired vision after an apparently uneventful general anesthetic. Previously published cases of VHR, anesthetic related and otherwise, are reviewed and the phenomenon discussed. Although VHR is considered to be rare, the events and activities with which it is associated are relatively common, both in everyday life and in the operating room. We suggest that the occurrence of VHR after anesthesia and surgery may be more frequent than previously appreciated and make recommendations for further investigations.
ISSN:0952-8180
1873-4529
DOI:10.1016/j.jclinane.2015.03.013