Valsalva Retinopathy during Childbirth: A Case Report and Literature Review

Case Report

Austin J Clin Case Rep. 2023; 10(1): 1272.

Valsalva Retinopathy during Childbirth: A Case Report and Literature Review

Belidi HE*, Saoiabi Y and Cherkaoui O

Department of Ophthalmology, Specialty Hospital, Rabat, Morocco

*Corresponding author: Belidi HEHala El Belid, Department of Ophthalmology, Specialty Hospital, Rabat, Morocco

Received: January 26, 2023; Accepted: February 28, 2023; Published: March 07, 2023

Abstract

Purpose: To describe the presentation and the management of valsalva retinopathy during pregnancy.

Case Report: A case of 30 years-old pregnant female with 36 weeks of gestation, presented with history of a sudden decrease in vision in her right eye during the labor. A clinical diagnosis of valsalva retinopathy was made based on clinical findings, laboratory test and imaging studies. Her right visual acuity had spontaneously increased with no active medical intervention.

Conclusion: Pregnancy is known to be a risk factor for valsalva retinopathy, and it should be considered in any pregnant woman who presents with sudden onset of painless vision loss preceding the onset of exertion. The prognosis for patients with valsalva retinopathy is generally promising.

Keywords: Valsalva retinopathy; Pregnancy

Introduction

Valsalva retinopathy is a specific form of retinopathy characterized by pre-retinal, subhyaloid, subinternal limiting membrane or vitreous haemorrhage [1]. It may occur unilateral or bilateral. It happens due to a sudden rise in intrathoracic or intra-abdominal pressure, which is transmitted to the perifoveal superficial retinal capillaries causing in their rupture a hemorrhagic detachment of the internal limiting membrane [2,3]. It is often encountered in young and middle-aged people who present with sudden diminution of vision which can vary from a subtle scotoma to total vision loss [4].

Pregnancy is known to be a risk factor for valsalva retinopathy. We hereby report a case of Valsalva retinopathy in a pregnant woman during her labor [5].

Case Report

A 30-years-old pregnant woman at 36 weeks of gestation experienced a sudden visual loss and floaters in her right eye during the labor. Her previous medical history was unremarkable. Her best corrected visual acuity was 20/20 in the left eye and hand motion at one meter in the right eye. Anterior segment examination was unremarkable. Pupil reactions were normal. Dilated fundus examination of the right eye revealed an enlarged pre-retinal subhyaloid hemorrhage in the macula (Figure 1). The patient had a spontaneous vaginal delivery. Blood pressure, full blood count, coagulation profile, fasting blood sugar and sickle cell tests were within normal limits. Additional tests for a hypercoagulable state and autoimmune diseases were negative. A clinical diagnosis of valsalva retinopathy was made and it was decided to observe the patient. Follow-up at one month, two, three and four month later revealed improvement in the best corrected visual acuity, with complete resolution of the macular hemorrhage.

Citation: Belidi HE, Saoiabi Y, Cherkaoui O. Valsalva Retinopathy during Childbirth: A Case Report and Literature Review. Austin J Clin Case Rep. 2023; 10(1): 1272.