Valsalva retinopathy occurring after general anesthesia

Tunis Med. 2019 Apr;97(4):595-598.

Abstract

Purpose: To report a case of patient who presented with valsalva retinopathy after genral anesthesia for the treatment of ruptured intracranial aneurysm.

Observation: A forty year-old man presented, after a general anesthesia for treatment of a ruptured intracranial aneurysm, with a severe decrease of the visual acuity in the left eye. Ophthalmic examination, performed one month after surgery showed a retrohyaloid macular hemorhage. After failure of laser Nd-YAG hyaloidotomy, vitrectomy allowed drainage of the hematoma with good visual outcome.

Conclusion: Valsalva retinopathy is a rare complication that can occur after genral anesthesia. Vitrectomy may be needed if Nd-Yag laser hyaloidotomy fails.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anesthesia, General / adverse effects*
  • Humans
  • Lasers, Solid-State / therapeutic use
  • Male
  • Patient Positioning / adverse effects*
  • Retinal Hemorrhage / etiology*
  • Retinal Hemorrhage / therapy
  • Valsalva Maneuver*
  • Vitrectomy