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MOJ
eISSN: 2471-139X

Anatomy & Physiology

Clinical Images Volume 5 Issue 1

Haemorrhagic papilledema

Imran H Yusuf, Edward J Ridyard, John S Elston

The Oxford Eye Hospital, West Wing, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headley Way, UK

Correspondence: Imran H Yusuf, The Oxford Eye Hospital, West Wing, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headley Way, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9DU, United Kingdom, Tel +441865234736

Received: December 29, 2017 | Published: January 4, 2018

Citation: Yusuf IH, Ridyard EJ, Elston JS. Haemorrhagic papilledema. MOJ Anat Physiol. 2018;5(1):1. DOI: 10.15406/mojap.2018.05.00153

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Keywords

papilloedema, optic disc haemorrhage, haemorrhagic papilledema, scotoma, thrombocytopenia, raised intracranial pressure

Introduction

A 52year-old female was referred to Ophthalmology from Haematology complaining of “black flowers over the eyes”. Three weeks previously, she had undergone autologous stem cell transplantation for multiple myeloma. Persistent thrombocytopenia contributed to spontaneous bilateral epidural haematomas managed conservatively with serial platelet transfusions. Visual acuity was 20/20 bilaterally with preserved colour vision and no relative afferent pupillary defect. Slit-lamp biomicroscopy revealed bilateral haemorrhagic papilledema with circumferential peri-papillary nerve fibre layer (flame) haemorrhages (Figure 1) (Figure 2). Foveal encroachment accounted for the patient’s perception of floral scotomas. Deep blot haemorrhages and cotton wools spots are evident. Peripheral platelet count was 15x109/L.

Figure 1 Right eye haemorrhagic papilledema with circumferential peri-papillary nerve fibre layer (flame) haemorrhages.

Figure 2 Left eye haemorrhagic papilledema with circumferential peri-papillary nerve fibre layer (flame) haemorrhages.

Discussion

Papilledema results from arrest of axoplasmic transport in retinal ganglion cells that form the optic nerve, at the level of the lamina cribrosa secondary to raised intracranial pressure. Optic disc haemorrhages are a common feature of acute papilledema but may be extensive and symptomatic in the context of thrombocytopenia.1

Acknowledgements

None.

Conflict of interest

None of the authors have any financial interest in a product, method or material or lack thereof.

References

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©2018 Yusuf, et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and build upon your work non-commercially.