Isolated bilateral lateral geniculate body necrosis following acute pancreatitis: A rare cause of bilateral loss of vision in a young female

J Postgrad Med. 2023 Jan-Mar;69(1):53-55. doi: 10.4103/jpgm.jpgm_1134_21.

Abstract

Sudden bilateral visual loss because of bilateral lateral geniculate body (LGB) necrosis is a very rare entity. The mechanisms causing these isolated lesions have still not been fully understood. We report a case of sudden loss of vision in a 22-year-old female following an attack of acute pancreatitis, just after starting the paleo diet. Neuroimaging revealed bilateral LGB necrosis. Multidisciplinary approach was sought and she was subsequently managed successfully. On follow-up, her visual acuity showed improvement, and neuroimaging revealed resolution of hyperintensities in bilateral LGB with residual blooming suggestive of old hemorrhagic gliosis. The possible reasons for isolated lesions of the LGB are hemorrhagic infarction and osmotic demyelination. In the present case, we postulate a vascular pathology, possibly hypo-perfusion because of shock following acute pancreatitis.

Keywords: Acute pancreatitis; bilateral visual loss; lateral geniculate body necrosis; paleo diet.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Adult
  • Blindness
  • Female
  • Geniculate Bodies* / blood supply
  • Geniculate Bodies* / pathology
  • Humans
  • Necrosis / pathology
  • Pancreatitis* / complications
  • Pancreatitis* / diagnostic imaging
  • Vision Disorders / etiology
  • Vision Disorders / pathology
  • Young Adult