Open AccessPoint-of-care ultrasonography of the orbit for detection of retinal detachment in a patient with hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count syndrome
Author(s) -
Gentle Sunder Shrestha,
Shayuja Rajbhandari,
Shashwat Dhungel,
Nutan Sharma,
Nimesh Poudel,
Dhiraj Narayan Manandhar
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
indian journal of critical care medicine/indian journal of critical care medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.317
H-Index - 30
eISSN - 1998-359X
pISSN - 0972-5229
DOI - 10.4103/0972-5229.190364
Subject(s) - medicine , retinal detachment , hellp syndrome , hemolysis , elevated liver enzymes , point of care , ophthalmology , retinal , surgery , radiology , pathology , pregnancy , preeclampsia , genetics , biology
Retinal detachment is a rare, but well-known cause of visual impairment in patients with hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count (HELLP) syndrome. With supportive care, patients usually improve, with complete recovery of vision. Bedside ultrasonography of the orbit can be helpful for early detection of retinal detachment in these patients. Here, we present a case of HELLP syndrome presenting with severe visual symptoms. Retinal detachment was detected with point-of-care ocular sonography, which was confirmed with ophthalmoscopic examination. The patient was reassured of the favorable prognosis. Early initiation of aggressive supportive care was followed by progressive improvement of vision, which correlated with sonographic evidence of resolution of detachment. Her vision recovered completely in 2 weeks.