Purtscher-like retinopathy in a paediatric patient with haemolytic uraemic syndrome: A case report and literature review

Abstract

An 8-year-old boy presented with fever, vomits, bloody diarrhoea, and blurred vision. The patient was diagnosed with Haemolytic Uraemic Syndrome (HUS) due to the symptoms and a positive Verotoxin stool test. Funduscopic examination showed retinal involvement in both eyes, peri-papillary paleness, retinal haemorrhages, and soft "Purtscher Fleckens" exudates. A favourable outcome was achieved after hospital admission and systemic treatment. Dialysis treatment was not needed due the preserved diuresis. Although Purtscher-like retinopathy is very uncommon, ocular examination is mandatory in patients with pancreatitis, autoimmune diseases, and thrombotic microangiopathies, such as HUS.

Keywords: Haemolytic uraemic syndrome; Paediatric retina; Purtscher retinopathy; Purtscher-like retinopathy; Retina pediátrica; Retinopatía Purtscher-like; Retinopatía de Purtscher; Síndrome urémico hemolítico.