Pathogenesis of Terson syndrome

Terson Syndrome Diagnosed by Ocular Point of Care Ultrasound on the Medical Floor

In acute care environments, accurately assessing complications of intracranial pathology can be challenging. Ocular complications in acute intracranial disease are not consistently evaluated despite their high morbidity. We report on a case of monocular diplopia in a 63-year-old man with subacute traumatic brain injury with localized subarachnoid hemorrhage. Ocular point of care ultrasound (POCUS) identified features of vitreous hemorrhage in one globe, leading to a diagnosis of Terson syndrome and a timely referral to ophthalmology. This finding was made on the medical floor days after the initial presentation during rehabilitation when ophthalmoscopy was not possible, and vitreous hemorrhage had not been identified on presentation. Terson syndrome is a seldom discussed but important complication of intracranial hemorrhage generally associated with poor patient outcomes. Ocular POCUS can provide a useful alternative in assessing ocular complications of acute intracranial disease on the medical floor, particularly when the practicalities of performing ophthalmoscopy are challenged.

Traumatic terson syndrome with a peculiar mass lesion and tractional retinal detachment: a case report

BACKGROUND

To report a case with bilateral Terson syndrome presented with a unique mushroom-like mass lesion on the optic disc along with proliferative vitreoretinopathy and tractional retinal detachment.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 33-year-old man was injured during a traffic accident and had diffuse brain swelling and intraocular hemorrhage. Poor vision in both eyes was noted after the patient regained consciousness. B-scan ultrasonography showed extensive vitreous opacity with a posterior vitreous detachment and without obvious retinal detachment. Vitrectomy was performed in both eyes five months after the accident. After clearing up the vitreous opacity, a peculiar pigmented mushroom-like mass lesion was noted in the posterior pole and had severe adhesion to the underneath optic disc. Extensive multilayered peripapillary epiretinal membrane was found covering the posterior pole and led to tractional retinal detachment around the macula. The mass was presumed to be an organized vitreous hemorrhage originated from the optic disc. The extensive and adherent epiretinal membrane together with the mass lesion were removed as much as possible and silicon oil was injected for tamponade. However, in the right eye, the retina redetached under silicon oil, whereas in the left eye, his vision improved to 20/100.

CONCLUSIONS

Terson syndrome usually has a favorable prognosis but may be complicated by proliferative vitreoretinopathy and tractional retinal detachment. Careful monitoring is warranted and early vitrectomy should be considered in cases suspecting additional pathologies.

Bilateral Subinternal Limiting Membrane Crystalline Deposits Secondary to Terson Syndrome

Background

We report the case of bilateral, subinternal limiting membrane crystalline deposits in a patient with Terson syndrome, describe the possible pathogenesis, and highlight management. Case Presentation. A 24-year-old male with a history of traumatic massive parenchymal and subdural frontal hemorrhage presented to our clinic seven months after a motor vehicle accident, prolonged hospitalization, and rehabilitation, complaining of decreased vision in both eyes. The Snellen visual acuity was 1/60 in the right eye, and 6/60 in the left eye. Fundus examination showed an organized white vitreous hemorrhage in both eyes with almost no view of the retina. The anterior segments were normal. He underwent a 25-gauge pars plana vitrectomy in both eyes. During the surgery, golden crescent-shaped sediment consisting of small crystals was observed under the internal limiting membrane in both eyes: anterior to the inferior temporal vascular arcade in the right eye and posterior to it in the left eye. Internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling after staining with ILM-blue dye was performed in the left eye, where the finding involved the macula. One year after the surgery, visual acuity significantly improved to 6/8.5 on the right and 6/6 on the left. Epiretinal membrane formation was observed in the right eye, where ILM peeling was not performed.

Conclusion

Subinternal limiting membrane crystalline deposit finding is a rare condition. Consider performing internal limiting membrane peeling and sediment removal in cases with macular involvement. In cases where crystals are concentrated outside of the macula, follow-up may be considered.