Purtscher retinopathy following isolated chest compression: a case report

J Trauma Inj. 2024 Dec;37(4):291-294. doi: 10.20408/jti.2024.0032. Epub 2024 Oct 21.

Abstract

This case report describes the case of a 56-year-old man who developed Purtscher retinopathy following compressive chest trauma. During the tertiary survey, the patient was found to have a unilateral partial vision decline despite sustaining only mild rib fractures. The patient was diagnosed with a rare complication of Purtscher retinopathy. At a 2-week follow-up outpatient examination, improved visual acuity was observed. This case highlights the importance of conducting a tertiary survey not only on the directly impacted site, but also comprehensively across all sites, while attentively listening to and addressing the patient's complaints.

Keywords: Case reports; Posttraumatic complication; Purtscher retinopathy; Tertiary survey; Trauma-induced retinopathy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports