Terson syndrome caused by intraventricular hemorrhage associated with moyamoya disease

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.

A Case of Terson-Like Syndrome in a Patient with Viral Meningoencephalitis

The proposed mechanism of Terson's syndrome is increased intracranial pressure that leads to dilation of the retrobulbar optic nerve and compression of the central retinal vein. Terson's syndrome has been associated with many conditions that increase intracranial pressure such as venous sinus thrombosis, Moyamoya disease, leukemia, direct head trauma, and intraocular hemorrhage related to shaken baby syndrome. We present a novel case of a patient with recent viral prodrome found to have papilledema and multilayered retinal hemorrhages consistent with Terson syndrome. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance venography of the brain did not reveal any subdural, subarachnoid, or intracranial hemorrhages. However, cerebrospinal fluid analyses were significant for increased opening pressure and elevated protein levels, which were suggestive of viral meningoencephalitis. We describe this case as a Terson-like syndrome because the etiology of intraocular hemorrhage is increased intracranial pressure. However, this case does not fit the traditional presentation of Terson's syndrome as the intracranial pressure is secondary to meningeal inflammation instead of subdural, subarachnoid, or intracranial hemorrhage. We strongly feel that it is important for physicians to be aware of the link between viral meningoencephalitis and retinal conditions such as Terson-like syndrome because it can facilitate rapid diagnosis and treatment.

Terson syndrome secondary to subarachnoid hemorrhage: a case report and literature review

BACKGROUND

Terson syndrome is a serious complication of subarachnoid hemorrhage includes any intraocular hemorrhage and may result in blurred vision or even blindness. However, it is often overlooked clinically.

CASE DESCRIPTION

A 42-year-old man presented with coma due to rupture of a left posterior communicating artery aneurysm. A preoperative CT scan demonstrated subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) and bilateral fundus hemorrhage. Visual evoked potential (VEP) and B-scan ocular ultrasound revealed vitreous hemorrhages, features consistent with Terson syndrome. Pars plana vitrectomy was performed 2 weeks after SAH with a subsequent improvement of visual acuity.

CONCLUSIONS

Early identification is important for the recovery of the patient's nervous system and ophthalmology. Neurosurgeons should be aware of the pathology and pay attention to it to maximize patient's benefit.

Terson's syndrome - Pathophysiologic considerations of an underestimated concomitant disease in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage

Terson syndrome (TS) is a common and underestimated concomitant disease in patients suffering from subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of an initial unconsciousness and raised intracranial pressure (ICP) on the development of TS. We performed a retrospective analysis of 213 prospective collected SAH patients screened for TS to investigate the impact of an initial unconsciousness and raised ICP on the development of TS. A univariate analysis followed by a multivariate logistic regression model was performed to identify risk factors that are associated with TS. The findings are all discussed and correlated with the present pathophysiologic considerations of TS. The rate of TS in this study was 23.9%. A higher risk of TS in the univariate analysis was associated with a Glasgow Coma scale⩽7 (p=0.001), higher Hunt and Hess grade (p=0.001), Fisher grade IV (p=0.002), intracerebral hemorrhage (p=0.011), initial unconsciousness (p=0.013) and an ICP of ⩾25mmHg (p<0.001). An ICP of ⩾25mmHg was the only independent predictor for TS in the multivariate analysis (p=0.007). TS patients had a higher mortality (p=0.012) and a higher risk for a worse long-term outcome (p=0.002). Notable that 5 of 51 TS patients (9.8%) in this study developed TS with no raised ICP or initial unconsciousness. Terson syndrome is a common concomitant disease in SAH patients. The pathomechanism leading to TS is not exclusively related to raised ICP levels and/or unconsciousness. However, these factors may be associated with a high percentage of TS.

Terson syndrome in subarachnoid hemorrhage, intracerebral hemorrhage, and traumatic brain injury

This prospective trial was designed to evaluate the incidence of Terson syndrome in patients suffering from subarachnoid hemorrhage, intracerebral hemorrhage, or traumatic brain injury and whether consequences necessarily derive from the intraocular hemorrhage itself. Two ophthalmologic examinations were performed to identify patients with Terson syndrome. Data on initial Glasgow Coma Scale, Hunt and Hess and Fisher grades, aneurysm site and diameter, and volume of hemorrhage in intracerebral hemorrhage patients were correlated to the location and course of Terson syndrome. Follow-up was performed after 3 months, including clinical and ophthalmologic investigations. The data showed that 16 of 83 subarachnoid hemorrhage patients (19.3%), 2 of 22 intracerebral hemorrhage patients (9.1%), and 1 of 32 traumatic brain injury patients (3.1%) suffered from Terson syndrome. Low Glasgow Coma Scale (p = 0.002), high Hunt and Hess grade (p < 0.001), and high Fisher grade (p = 0.002) were found to be associated with a higher incidence of Terson syndrome. The neurological outcome in subarachnoid hemorrhage patients suffering from Terson syndrome was worse compared with that of subarachnoid hemorrhage patients without Terson syndrome (p = 0.005), and vitrectomy was performed in seven eyes of six patients due to poor visual acuity. Terson syndrome is underestimated in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage and a rare pathology in intracerebral hemorrhage as well as in traumatic brain injury patients. Spontaneous regression of the intraocular hemorrhage may be seen, but in half of the patients, vitrectomy is necessary to prevent permanent visual deterioration.

Terson syndrome in conjunction with ruptured intracranial aneurysm and penetrating intracranial injury: a review of two cases

Terson syndrome, the presence of intraocular hemorrhage in the setting of acutely elevated intracranial pressure, was historically described in conjunction with acute subarachnoid hemorrhage; however, more recently, it has been associated with a gamut of intracranial pathophysiology ranging from blunt or penetrating injury to neurosurgical procedures. We describe two cases of profound intracranial injury, secondary to ballistic injury, and a ruptured intracranial aneurysm, in which posterior chamber ocular hemorrhage was noted on CT imaging. Though the outcome in such cases, as with ours, is often poor, the findings are germane to clinical care as the presence of Terson syndrome has been noted to be a negative prognostic factor in multiple clinical reviews. Additionally, clinical recovery can be impacted adversely by lasting visual deficits or retinal degradation in the absence of timely ophthalmologic intervention.