Terson's syndrome: an important differential diagnosis of subarachnoid hemorrhage

Terson's syndrome leading to fatal outcome in a 36-year-old woman: A case report

Terson's syndrome occurs as a result of intraocular hemorrhage associated with intracranial hemorrhage, but was formerly used to describe vitreous hemorrhage associated with Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage (SAH). We present a case of a 36-year-old woman who was not a known hypertensive but presented with a sudden onset of loss of vision in both eyes and a few hours later became deeply unconscious. A computed tomography (CT) scan of the head revealed massive intracerebral hemorrhage with intraventricular extension secondary to severe hypertension and bilateral acute retinal hemorrhages due to the acute rise in intracranial pressure and the recently described ocular glymphatic system provides a novel perspective on the pathophysiology. A diagnosis of Terson's syndrome was made but unfortunately, her clinical condition deteriorated and she expired a few hours after the CT scan. Terson's syndrome is usually associated with poor clinical outcomes from increased intracranial pressure. Implication for clinical practice is that radiologists should critically examine the orbits during imaging for retinal hemorrhage in the setting of severe intracranial hemorrhage for the necessary ophthalmological and neurosurgical interventions to be made since most patients present with sudden onset of loss of vision.

Terson's syndrome, the current concepts and management strategies: A review of literature

Terson's Syndrome describes intraocular hemorrhage secondary to an acutely raised intracranial pressure (ICP). Although Terson's Syndrome is common amongst patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), it is underdiagnosed and often overlooked. This review discusses the current understanding of the etiopathogenesis, clinical features, and management of Terson's Syndrome and highlights the visual and prognostic implications to stress the importance of timely diagnosis and management. The origin of intraocular hemorrhage in Terson's Syndrome has been debated. A recognized theory suggests that an acutely raised ICP induces effusion of cerebrospinal fluid into the optic nerve sheath which dilates the retrobulbar aspect of the sheath in the orbit. Dilatation mechanically compresses the central retinal vein and retinochoroidal veins resulting in venous hypertension and rupture of thin retinal vessels. A commonly reported clinical feature is decreased visual acuity and blurred vision. These may be accompanied by symptoms of increased ICP including loss of consciousness and headache. Diagnosis is established using evidence from the clinical presentation, ophthalmoscopy, and, when required, imaging including B-mode ultrasound, CT, MRI, and fluorescein angiography. Terson's Syndrome is managed conservatively by observation for mild cases and with vitrectomy for bilateral cases and for patients whose hemorrhage has not spontaneously resolved after an observational period. Terson's Syndrome can be used as a prognostic indicator of morbidity and mortality in underlying pathology like SAH. Fundoscopy of patients with SAH, acutely raised ICP or visual disturbance with unknown etiology can help establish a timely Terson's Syndrome diagnosis. This may avoid the risk of permanent visual impairment.