Posterior segment ophthalmic complications of aplastic anemia

Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging. 2010 Jun 30:41 Online. doi: 10.3928/15428877-20100625-04.

Abstract

Three patients with aplastic anemia were evaluated by the ophthalmology service within 2 months of the aplastic anemia diagnosis for bilateral visual loss. The mean age of diagnosis of aplastic anemia was 14.3 years (range: 5 to 19 years) and the mean follow-up was 25 months (range: 15 to 44 months). All 6 eyes demonstrated choroidal ischemia and vitreous hemorrhage. Pars plana vitrectomy was performed in four eyes of two patients for non-clearing vitreous hemorrhage; one patient was observed. Successful anatomic outcomes were achieved in 3 of 4 eyes that underwent vitrectomy. Initial visual acuity ranged from 20/80 to bare light perception and final visual acuity ranged from 20/20 to no light perception. All patients received immunosuppressive therapy including cyclosporine and anti-thymocyte globulin, and two underwent hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. All patients received perioperative platelet and blood transfusions. Pars plana vitrectomy resulted in functional and anatomic success in the majority of eyes in this series. Coordination of medical and surgical care with the hematology service is advisable to stabilize hematologic parameters prior to undertaking a vitreoretinal procedure.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Intramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Anemia, Aplastic / complications*
  • Antilymphocyte Serum / therapeutic use
  • Child, Preschool
  • Choroid / blood supply
  • Eye Diseases / etiology*
  • Eye Diseases / pathology
  • Eye Diseases / physiopathology
  • Eye Diseases / therapy
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Fundus Oculi
  • Humans
  • Ischemia / etiology
  • Male
  • Posterior Eye Segment*
  • Retinal Neovascularization / etiology
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Visual Acuity
  • Vitrectomy / methods
  • Vitreous Hemorrhage / etiology
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Antilymphocyte Serum