Vitreous hemorrhage

Background

• Bleeding into the vitreous humor of the eye
  • Vitreous is avascular substance that helps keep retina in place
  • Traction at its attachments at the ora serrata and optic disc can result in bleeding
  • Neovascularization (a/w DM) can result in weak vessels w/ high propensity for bleeding
• May cause permanent blindness

Causes

• Diabetic retinopathy
• Trauma
  • Shaken baby syndrome
• Sickle cell disease
• Posterior vitreous detachment
  • Elderly
• Retinal tear
• Terson Syndrome (Association with Subarachnoid Hemorrhage (SAH))

Clinical Features

• Sudden, painless vision loss
• Acute Onset Flashers and Floaters
• Generalized unilateral hazy vision

Diagnosis

• Fundoscopy
  • May show gross hemorrhage
  • Blood may obscure retina
  • Decreased red reflex
• Ultrasound
  • Bright echoes in posterior chamber
  • Small dots or mobile lines may represent early, mild hemorrhage
  • Look for retinal injury/tears
    • require operative intervention

Work-Up

• Visual acuity
  • Degree of vision loss proportional to size of hemorrhage
• Assess for coagulopathy.
  • INR for patients on warfarin
• In the setting of trauma, must assess for Globe Rupture

DDx

• Retinal Detachment
• Central Retinal Vein Occlusion
• Uveitis
• Acute Onset Flashers and Floaters

Treatment

1. Correct coagulopathy
2. Ophtho consult (should see ophtho within 24-48 hours)
   1. Treatment directed at underlying cause
3. Avoid NSAIDs and anticoagulants
4. Elevate the head of the bed
5. Treat nausea/vomiting

Source

Tintinalli UpToDate Rosen's