Two Cases of Retinal Hemorrhage in Alcoholic Cirrhosis

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To report 2 cases of retinal hemorrhage due to anemia and thrombocytopenia in patients with alcoholic cirrhosis. CASE SUMMARY: (Case 1) A 45-year-old female with alcoholic cirrhosis who was treated in the gastroenterology department presented with reduced vision in both eyes. Fundus examination showed multiple preretinal and subretinal hemorrhages with macular involvement in both eyes. Hematological findings revealed severe anemia and thrombocytopenia. One month after the transfusion treatment her visual acuity was improved and retinal hemorrhages resolved. (Case 2) A 47-year-old male presented with painless loss of vision in the left eye 3 days after orthotopic liver transplantation for the treatment of alcoholic cirrhosis. Fundus examination showed preretinal hemorrhages in both eyes with macular involvement in the left eye. During the transplantation, hematological findings revealed severe anemia and thrombocytopenia. Three months after the transfusion treatment his visual acuity was improved and retinal hemorrhages nearly completely resolved. CONCLUSIONS: Hematological abnormalities due to alcoholic cirrhosis can cause retinal hemorrhage. In the present cases the retinal hemorrhages were resorbed and the visual acuity recovered.