Bilateral Ischemic Retinopathy and Optic Neuropathy as an Isolated Ophthalmic Clinical Entity in Altitude Sickness – a Case Report

Czech version

Authors: N. Jirásková ¹; E. Rencová ¹; O. Renc ² ; P. Rozsíval ¹
Authors‘ workplace: LF UK a FN Hradec Králové Oční klinika ¹; LF UK a FN Hradec Králové Radiologická klinika ²
Published in: Cesk Slov Neurol N 2011; 74/107(5): 575-578
Category: Case Report

Overview

The authors relate a case of bilateral ischemic damage to the choroid, retina and optic nerve in a patient with sudden painless damage to vision that she suffered at the end of a month in Nepal which involved short trips to altitudes of around 5000 m. At initial ophthalmic examination she presented with asymmetrical oedema of the optic nerve discs, more pronounced in the left eye, with reduced visual acuity and lower altitudinal visual field defect. The results of tests and examinations were negative for infectious, auto-immune and demyelinating aetiology of the fundus. Treatment with corticosteroids and aceazolamid produced good results –⁠ resolution of ischemic and inflammatory changes in the fundus. In this case, a permanent deterioration of visual function in the left eye corresponding to subatrophy of the optic nerve head was observed, according to the literature a rare condition.

Key words:
altitude sickness –⁠ ischemic optic neuropathy –⁠ high-altitude retinopathy

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