Bilateral purtscher-like retinopathy associated with DRESS syndrome: a case report

• Published in: Journal of Ophthalmic Inflammation and Infection
• Main Authors: Langxuan Yuan, Yuchen Li, Hanze Zhang, Yucen Hou, Qianyan Kang, Jianqin Lei
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: SpringerOpen 2024-09-01
• Subjects: Purtscher-like retinopathy; DRESS syndrome; Inflammatory storm; Delayed hypersensitivity reaction
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12348-024-00433-x

Abstract Background To report a case of Bilateral Purtscher-like retinopathy associated with DRESS syndrome managed with ocular and systemic treatments. Case presentation A 29-year-old healthy female developed multi-organ (cutaneous, hematologic, renal and hepatic) disfunction and profound vision loss 1 month after Human papillomavirus vaccine injection. At the first presentation, her visual acuity was counting fingers in both eyes. Fundus exam showed remarkable cotton-wool spots, retinal hemorrhages and macular edema. She was diagnosed DRESS syndrome and Purtscher-like retinopathy and treated with intravitreal injection of ranibizumab, systemic steroids anticoagulants, and plasma exchange. The patient finally recovered from this life-threatening condition but left with permanent visual damage. Conclusion Purtscher-like retinopathy could be complicated by DRESS syndrome which is usually considered a type IV hypersensitivity reaction.