[Purtscher-like retinopathy associated with antibiotic anaphylaxis]

Nan Fang Yi Ke Da Xue Xue Bao. 2018 Mar 20;38(3):239-242. doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1673-4254.2018.03.01.
[Article in Chinese]

Abstract

We report a case of an 18-year-old woman with systemic antibiotic anaphylaxis who presented anasarca and bilateral visual loss two weeks after the intravenous use of pazufloxacin. Ancillary fundus tests revealed bilateral cotton-wool spots, Purtscher flecken, edema, and retinal arteriolar occlusion around the optic disc. After pulse corticosteroid, administration of anti-anaphylactic agent, and general support therapy for one month, the patient showed a favorable change, with the symptoms lessened or free systemically, except the continuous aggravation of fundus ischemic change. After two intravitreal injections of Ranibizumab, there were still a large area of capillary non-perfusion and neovacularizations in the binocular retina, resulting in vitreous hemorrhage. The patient's visual acuity had still light perception after right-eye vitrectomy and presented no improvement during the postoperative follow-up of two years. Literature review revealed that there were many causes associated with Purtscher-like retinopathy, and the consequent visual impairment varied significantly. Prompt management of the underlying condition is crucial in giving the patient the best chance to restore vision.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Anaphylaxis / chemically induced*
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / adverse effects*
  • Female
  • Fluoroquinolones / adverse effects*
  • Humans
  • Intravitreal Injections
  • Oxazines / adverse effects*
  • Ranibizumab / therapeutic use
  • Retinal Diseases / chemically induced*
  • Retinal Diseases / therapy
  • Visual Acuity

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Fluoroquinolones
  • Oxazines
  • pazufloxacin
  • Ranibizumab

Grants and funding

Supported by National Major Scientific Equipment Program of China (2012YQ12008005)