A case report of bilateral exudative retinal detachment in severe pre-eclampsia

Abstract

We report a case of a 31-year-old gravida 2 para 1 female presenting to the optician with a two-week history of blurred vision and persistent headaches at 29 weeks gestation. Visual acuity on presentation was 6/100 in the right eye and 6/24 in the left eye. Fundoscopy of both eyes revealed serous retinal detachment in the absence of background retinal changes. On urgent admission to the maternity assessment unit, blood pressure was 189/126 mmHg and urine dipstick revealed 4+ proteinuria. Due to recurrent poor foetal heart rate variability on cardiotocography monitoring, an emergency caesarean was conducted. Sixteen hours following delivery, visual symptoms had improved, and clinical examination revealed normal blood pressure. An optical coherence tomography scan performed three months later was dry bilaterally with minor retinal pigment epithelium clumping. Serous retinal detachment involves the separation of the neurosensory retinal layer from the underlying retinal pigment epithelium. It is rare in pre-eclampsia but can be seen in patients with severe disease. The presentation of serous retinal detachment includes acute visual loss, reduced visual acuity, floaters, and flashing lights appearing in the vision. Although alarming on initial presentation, resolution is commonly seen within a couple of days postpartum. The pathogenic mechanism for serous retinal detachment development is widely discussed and thought to include changes to the choroidal circulation. Overall, although often self-resolving, a move to thorough antenatal care and vigilant monitoring in pre-eclamptic women is vital to prevent complications like this from occurring.