Association of xerophthalmia, flecked retina, and pseudotumor cerebri caused by hypovitaminosis A

Am J Ophthalmol. 1998 May;125(5):708-10. doi: 10.1016/s0002-9394(98)00011-7.

Abstract

Purpose: To report an unusual case of hypovitaminosis A with bilateral papilledema and flecked retina that regressed after restoration of vitamin A deficiency.

Method: Case report. A 27-year-old woman had undergone a biliopancreatic bypass for obesity in 1990. In 1995, she presented with bilateral xerophthalmia, bilateral papilledema, and bilateral flecked retina.

Results: Laboratory tests demonstrated low serum levels of vitamin A (0.8 micromol/l) and vitamin E (8.54 micromol/l). Xerophthalmia, papilledema, and flecked retina disappeared after restoration of normal vitamin A blood levels.

Conclusion: Hypovitaminosis A after biliopancreatic bypass for obesity may be associated with xerophthalmia, pseudotumor cerebri, and flecked retina.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Female
  • Fundus Oculi
  • Humans
  • Papilledema / etiology
  • Pseudotumor Cerebri / blood
  • Pseudotumor Cerebri / drug therapy
  • Pseudotumor Cerebri / etiology*
  • Retinal Diseases / blood
  • Retinal Diseases / drug therapy
  • Retinal Diseases / etiology*
  • Vitamin A / blood
  • Vitamin A / therapeutic use
  • Vitamin A Deficiency / blood
  • Vitamin A Deficiency / complications*
  • Vitamin A Deficiency / drug therapy
  • Vitamin E / blood
  • Vitamin E / therapeutic use
  • Xerophthalmia / blood
  • Xerophthalmia / drug therapy
  • Xerophthalmia / etiology*

Substances

  • Vitamin A
  • Vitamin E