Spectral domain-optical coherence tomography and fundus autofluorescence findings in a case of purtscher-like retinopathy.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to describe spectral domain-optical coherence tomography and autofluorescence images in a case of bilateral Purtscher-like retinopathy.

Methods: This is an observational case report of a 31-year-old man suffering with Purtscher-like retinopathy postpancreatitis.

Results: In the acute phase, spectral domain-optical coherence tomography showed hyperreflectivity in the inner retinal layers, corresponding to cotton-wool exudation as a result of precapillary ischemia. The follow-up using spectral domain-optical coherence tomography showed that the inner retina is the most involved layer by ischemic damage in the acute phase. In the regression phase, signs of suffering in the outer retinal layers became visible as well, although after the resolution of the pathology, there was no evident spectral domain-optical coherence tomography abnormality in the photoreceptors layers. Autofluorescence images after resolution showed hyperautofluorescent vessels affected by ischemia as a possible result of long-lasting retention of intraretinal blood.

Conclusion: Spectral domain-optical coherence tomography and autofluorescence are sensitive and noninvasive imaging modalities to evaluate retinal alterations after Purtscher-like retinopathy. Spectral domain-optical coherence tomography confirms that ischemia causes an alteration primarily in the inner retinal layers, but the process also involves the outer retinal layers.