Bilateral Choroidal Detachments Due to Massive Pulmonary Embolism

Abstract

Abstract: : Purpose: Case Report Methods: Results: Conclusions: We describe a case of an eighty six year old man who suffered a massive pulmonary embolism and was treated in the emergency room with anticoagulants. Twenty four hours later he complained of a fall in vision. This was due to spontaneous choroidal haemorrhage.We consider the most likely mechanism for this patient's choroidal detachment to be low arterial perfusion pressure. Complications of acute massive PE are rare in those who survive the initial insult. This is, to our knowledge the first report of bilateral choroidal detachments in association with PE. Practitioners should be alert to signs of end organ damage following PE, and investigate promptly visual disturbance following a thromboembolic event.

Keywords: choroid