PATHOGENESES AND TREATMENT OF TERSON-SYNDROME

Terson Syndrome in Patients with Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: A 10-Year Single-Center Experience

BACKGROUND

Terson syndrome (TS), an intraocular hemorrhage associated with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH), occurs in up to 46% of all patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage. Despite its high incidence, TS is underrepresented in the literature, and patients with aSAH are sometimes not systematically evaluated for the presence of TS in clinical practice. This work aims to raise awareness of TS, reevaluate previous scientific findings, describe risk factors associated with the occurrence of TS, and present our local diagnostic and treatment concept.

METHODS

All patients with aSAH treated at our institution between October 2010 and May 2020 were included in this retrospective study. The frequency of ophthalmological screening by indirect funduscopy, as well as the results, was investigated. In addition, the collection and statistical analysis of epidemiological and clinical data was performed using χ2, Kruskal-Wallis, and analysis of variance testing; multivariate regression; and receiver operating characteristic analysis. The significance level was set at p < 0.05.

RESULTS

A total of 617 patients were treated for aSAH in our institution. Of these, 367 patients (59.5%) were ophthalmologically examined for the presence of TS. The rate of TS in the examined patients was 21.3% (n = 78). Patients with TS had significantly higher Fisher and World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies (WFNS) scores (p < 0.0001). Regression analyses showed WFNS grade (p = 0.003) and the occurrence of seizures (p = 0.002) as independent predictors of TS, as did receiver operating characteristic analyses, which had a significant area under the curve of 0.66 for the combination of WFNS grade and seizures. For 12 (15.4%) patients, the TS had to be surgically treated by pars plana vitrectomy in a total of 14 eyes, which resulted in significant improvement of visual function in all patients: mean preoperative best-corrected visual acuity was 0.03 (± 0.08) versus 0.76 (± 0.21) postoperatively (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

TS is a common complication in patients with aSAH, affecting approximately one in five patients. A higher WFNS grade and the occurrence of seizures are associated with TS; therefore, screening for TS should be performed in these patients.

Clinical observations and considerations in the treatment of Terson syndrome using 23G vitrectomy

PURPOSE

This retrospective study analyzed the results of 23G vitrectomy for the treatment of intraocular hemorrhage in patients with Terson syndrome. The pathogenesis of Terson syndrome and the timing of vitrectomy are discussed.

METHODS

Eight eyes of eight patients were included in the study. Intrasurgical images were acquired, and membranes peeled off during surgery were subjected to pathological staining. Postoperative examination included visual acuity, intraocular pressure, funduscopy, and optical coherence tomography angiography.

RESULTS

The course of visual impairment in the patients ranged from < 1 to 5 months; visual acuity ranged from light perception to 20/1000. Surgeries in the eight patients were all successful, and no severe complications were observed. Visual acuity improved in each operative eye. Pathological staining revealed only fibrous connective tissue, and no nerve fibers in the membranes peeled off during surgery. Optical coherence tomography angiography revealed no changes in blood vessel density in the inner layer of the retina of the operative eye compared with the non-operative eye in each patient.

CONCLUSIONS

Timely surgical intervention is necessary for the treatment of intraocular hemorrhage in patients with Terson syndrome. Clinical findings support the theory that intraocular blood results from stasis or rupture of retinal superficial peripapillary vessels caused by elevated intracranial pressure.

Microsurgical observation of the posterior vitreous in patients with vitreous hemorrhage caused by Terson syndrome

Purpose

To describe features characteristic of vitreous hemorrhage in patients with Terson syndrome observed through a microsurgical scope.

Methods

Between May 2015 and February 2019, 12 eyes of 10 patients with vitreous hemorrhage occurring after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) underwent pars plana vitrectomy.

Results

During vitreous surgery, we found 10 of 12 eyes did not have posterior vitreous detachment (PVD). Furthermore, we observed in 9 of the 10 eyes without PVD (90.0%) that there was no hemorrhage in the posterior vitreous cavity at the posterior pole while we removed vitreous hemorrhage. We confirmed that this clean space could be the posterior precortical vitreous pocket (PPVP).

Conclusion and importance

Terson syndrome may have no hemorrhage in the PPVP regardless of the presence of severe vitreous hemorrhage. The cases presented in our study may suggest one of the mechanisms of Terson syndrome.

Terson syndrome with persistent vitreous hemorrhage following traumatic brain injury

The objective of this study was to report clinical findings and surgical outcomes of 3 patients with persistent vitreous hemorrhage diagnosed as Terson syndrome (TS). Posterior segment changes, optical coherence tomography scans, fundus autofluorescence images, and fundus fluorescein angiography findings of patients were evaluated and pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) was performed on 3 eyes of three patients. All eyes operated after 6 months from the date of injury and final visual acuities were 20/200, 20/60 and 20/30. PPV is found as a safe and effective procedure for vitreous hemorrhage in TS. Delayed surgery in a young patient predicts a worse outcome.

OUTCOMES OF VITRECTOMY IN TERSON SYNDROME: A Multicenter Canadian Perspective

PURPOSE

To characterize the presentation of Terson syndrome, the occurrence of a vitreous hemorrhage in association with intracranial hemorrhage, and report on the outcomes of vitrectomy at two major centers in Canada.

METHODS

Retrospective chart review of consecutive patients with Terson syndrome undergoing vitrectomy by retina specialists over the last 10 years. Primary outcome was the change in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at 3 months from baseline. Secondary outcomes included the association between baseline BCVA and final BCVA, and the association between final BCVA and timing of surgery (early vs. later than 90 days).

RESULTS

A total of 14 eyes of 11 patients were included. The mean time between observation of intraocular hemorrhage and vitrectomy was 160 days. Baseline preoperative BCVA was logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution 1.57 ± 1.03 (Snellen 20/740), which improved to logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution 0.53 ± 0.82 (Snellen 20/70) at the final postoperative follow-up, P = 0.01. Baseline BCVA was not significantly correlated with final BCVA, Spearman's rho = 0.016, P = 0.957. Final BCVA did not significantly differ between those who had surgery before 90 days compared with after 90 days, P = 0.087.

CONCLUSION

Vitrectomy is safe and effective and should be considered for nonclearing vitreal bleeding due to Terson syndrome. Ocular hemorrhaging in Terson syndrome can be observed conservatively for spontaneous improvement without the risk of reduced visual potential. Ophthalmic evaluation should be considered promptly after intracranial hemorrhage.

Visual Outcomes after Vitrectomy for Terson Syndrome Secondary to Traumatic Brain Injury

PURPOSE

To evaluate visual outcomes after vitrectomy for intraocular hemorrhages secondary to traumatic brain injury.

DESIGN

Retrospective, observational case series.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 28 eyes in 20 patients undergoing vitrectomy for Terson syndrome secondary to traumatic brain injury between 1997 and 2015.

METHODS

We reviewed the records of patients undergoing a standard 20-gauge or 23-gauge pars plana vitrectomy for intraocular hemorrhages secondary to traumatic brain injury, and the timing of vitrectomy in relation to the inciting intracranial event was recorded.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcome measure was the change in the preoperative visual acuity score at postoperative month 1 and at the last noted clinic appointment.

RESULTS

A total of 28 eyes in 20 patients (all male) underwent pars plana vitrectomy for intraocular hemorrhages secondary to traumatic brain injury. The mean preoperative baseline logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) (Snellen) best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 1.81±0.56 (20/1290). At 1-month postoperative follow-up, the mean BCVA was 0.30±0.33 (20/40). At the date of the last follow-up, the mean BCVA was 0.15±0.24 (20/30) and the median BCVA was 0.00 (20/20). Although the difference between preoperative and postoperative BVCA was significantly different at 1 month and the final postoperative clinic visits (P < 0.001), there was not a correlation between preoperative visual acuity as a predictor of final postoperative visual acuity outcome (r=-0.32; P = 0.09; 95% confidence interval [CI] -0.62 - 0.06). At the date of the last follow-up, the differences in visual outcomes between the individuals undergoing vitrectomy within 3 months of the inciting event, 0.08±0.15 (20/25), were not significantly different than those undergoing surgical intervention after 3 months, 0.18±0.27 (20/30) (P = 0.28). Three cases among those undergoing vitrectomy after 3 months were complicated by retinal detachment, none of which resulted in a BCVA worse than when the patient originally presented preoperatively.

CONCLUSIONS

In this retrospective series of patients without other ocular pathology, surgical intervention effectively provided rapid visual recovery in the majority of individuals with intraocular hemorrhages secondary to traumatic brain injury, irrespective of the timing of vitrectomy or of preoperative visual acuity.

Terson syndrome in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage-its relation to intracranial pressure, admission factors, and clinical outcome

BACKGROUND

A large number of reports have not been able to clarify the pathophysiology of Terson syndrome (TS) in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH).

METHODS

Prospective single-center study on aSAH patients. Fundoscopic and radiological signs of TS were assessed. The opening intracranial pressure (ICP) in patients who required a ventriculostomy was recorded with a manometer.

RESULTS

Six out of 36 included patients had TS (16.7 %), which was associated with unfavorable admission scores. Twenty-nine patients (80.5 %) required ventriculostomy; TS was associated with higher ICP (median, 40 vs. 15 cm cmH2O, p = .003); all patients with TS had pathological ICP values of >20 cmH2O. Patients with a ruptured aneurysm of the anterior cerebral artery complex were ten times as likely to suffer from TS (OR 10.0, 95 % CI 1.03-97.50). Detection of TS on CT had a sensitivity of 50 %, a specificity of 98.4 %, a positive predictive value of 83.3 %, and a negative predictive value of 92.4 %. Mortality was 45 times as high in patients with TS (OR 45.0, 95 % CI 3.86-524.7) and neurologic morbidity up until 3 months post-aSAH was significantly higher in patients with TS (mRS 4-6; 100 vs. 17 %; p = .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings demonstrate an association between raised ICP and the incidence of TS. TS should be ruled out in aSAH patients presenting comatose or with raised ICP to ensure upfront ophthalmological follow-up. In alert patients without visual complaints and a TS-negative CT scan, the likelihood for the presence of TS is very low.

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 with no cerebral hemorrhage: A case report

The present study reports the case of a 33-year-old male who presented with Terson syndrome with no cerebral hemorrhage secondary to traumatic brain injury (TBI). A computed tomography scan of the patient, who had sustained an impact injury to the right occipital region, showed no cerebral lesion. Ophthalmoscopy clearly demonstrated vitreous hemorrhage in both eye globes. Vitreous hemorrhage, which results from an abrupt increase in intracranial pressure (ICP), is associated with TBI. In this case, the visual disturbance was attributed to Terson syndrome secondary to TBI. Therefore, close ophthalmological and radiological evaluation is required in patients with TBI, in order to enable the diagnosis of Terson syndrome and an early vitrectomy.

Terson's syndrome as a prognostic factor for mortality of spontaneous subarachnoid haemorrhage

PURPOSE

To evaluate the prognosis of mortality in patients with spontaneous subarachnoid haemorrhage associated with Terson's syndrome.

METHODS

A prospective, consecutive case series study was conducted in patients admitted to the emergency room with a diagnosis of acute subarachnoid haemorrhage. After a complete neurological examination, funduscopic examination using binocular indirect ophthalmoscopy under mydriasis was performed upon admission and at days 3, 7, 30 and 60 after the onset. In all cases, the diagnosis of intracranial bleeding was made by computerized tomography, and the clinical condition was graded according to the Hunt & Hess and Glasgow coma scales.

RESULTS

Forty-seven patients with the diagnosis of subarachnoid haemorrhage were enrolled. Forty-four cases were associated with a ruptured aneurysm and three cases with arterio-venous malformation. Fourteen patients (29%) were diagnosed with Terson's syndrome. Seven patients (50%) with Terson's syndrome died, whereas death occurred in three patients (9%) without Terson's syndrome (p = 0.002). Ocular findings in Terson's syndrome were preretinal, intraretinal, sub-retinal and vitreous haemorrhage. Associated ocular findings included third-nerve palsy, papilloedema and subconjunctival haemorrhage.

CONCLUSION

The presence of Terson's syndrome was associated with an increased mortality rate (50% versus 9%; p < 0.01). Therefore, patients with the diagnosis of intracranial haemorrhage should be submitted to a funduscopic examination, because the presence of intraocular haemorrhage is an important life-threatening prognostic factor.

Outcome indicators for vitrectomy in Terson syndrome

PURPOSE

There is no general agreement on the best indication and timing of vitrectomy in patients suffering from Terson syndrome. Therefore, we reviewed our cases in order to assess factors interfering with the functional outcome and complication rates after vitrectomy.

METHODS

In this retrospective consecutive case series, the records from all patients undergoing vitrectomy for Terson syndrome between 1975 and 2005 were evaluated.

RESULTS

Thirty-seven patients (45 eyes) were identified, 36 of whom (44 corresponding eyes) were eligible. The best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at first and last presentation was 0.07 +/- 0.12 and 0.72 +/- 0.31, respectively. Thirty-five eyes (79.5%) achieved a postoperative BCVA of > or = 0.5; 26 (59.1%) eyes achieved a postoperative BCVA of > or = 0.8. Patients operated on within 90 days of vitreous haemorrhage achieved a better final BCVA than those with a longer latency (BCVA of 0.87 +/- 0.27 compared to 0.66 +/- 0.31; P = 0.03). Patients younger than 45 years of age achieved a better final BCVA than older patients (0.85 +/- 0.24 compared to 0.60 +/- 0.33; P = 0.006). Retinal detachment developed in four patients between 6 and 27 months after surgery. Seven patients (16%) required epiretinal membrane peeling and seven cataract surgery.

CONCLUSION

Ninety-eight per cent of our patients experienced a rapid and persisting visual recovery after removal of a vitreous haemorrhage caused by Terson syndrome. A shorter time between occurrence of vitreous haemorrhage and surgery as well as a younger patient age are predictive of a better outcome. Generally, the surgical risk is low, but complications (namely retinal detachment) may occur late after surgery.

Terson hemorrhage in patients suffering aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: predisposing factors and prognostic significance

OBJECT

The association of vitreous and/or subhyaloid hemorrhage with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) has been frequently identified since the original description by Terson in 1900. In this prospective clinical study the authors examined the actual incidence of Terson hemorrhage in patients suffering aneurysmal SAH, they attempted to identify those parameters that could predispose its development, and they evaluated its prognostic significance in the overall patients' outcome.

METHODS

A total of 174 patients suffering aneurysmal SAH were included in this study. The admitting Glasgow Coma Scale scores (GCS), World Federation of Neurological Societies (WFNS) scale scores, Hunt and Hess grades, and Fisher grades were recorded. A careful ophthalmological evaluation was performed in all participants. The exact anatomical locations and the largest diameter of the dome of the ruptured aneurysms were also recorded. Surgical clipping or endovascular coiling was used in 165 patients. Clinical outcome was evaluated at discharge from the hospital by using the Glasgow Outcome Scale and the modified Rankin Scale. Periodic ophthalmological evaluations were performed for 2 years.

RESULTS

In this series, the observed incidence of Terson hemorrhage was 12.1%. Statistical analysis of our data demonstrated that patients with low GCS scores and high WFNS scores, Hunt and Hess grades, and Fisher grades had an increased incidence of Terson hemorrhage. The mortality rate for patients with Terson hemorrhage was 28.6%, whereas that for patients without Terson hemorrhage was 2.0%. Moreover, patients with Terson hemorrhage who survived had significantly worse outcomes than those in patients without Terson hemorrhage.

CONCLUSIONS

Terson hemorrhage constitutes a common SAH-associated complication. Its incidence is increased in patients with low GCS and high WFNS scores, and high Hunt and Hess and Fisher grades. Its presence is associated with increased mortality and morbidity rates.

The Retina in Forensic Medicine

The retina reflects a variety of diseases in the living patient. However, the retina is not routinely examined in deceased persons, and therefore it is unknown if routine retinal examination would be a useful adjunct to the forensic autopsy. To examine this issue, the retinae of routine medical examiner cases were examined utilizing an ophthalmic endoscope. The results of the first 100 examinations are reported. Specific attention was given to changes that reflected the postmortem interval, the development of petechiae as related to cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and the association of retinal hemorrhages to subconjunctival hemorrhages. The procedure was helpful in cases of suspected shaken baby syndrome, exsanguination, and carbon monoxide poisoning and in cases with sudden increased intracranial pressure (Terson syndrome). It appears that lividity patterns exist in the retina, and this may be potentially useful in determining body position after death. Some natural disease processes, such as hypertension, were also identified. Finally, the utility of the ophthalmic endoscope as a means of circumventing the problem of corneal clouding is discussed, and ideas for further research using this technology are presented.

Outcome of vitrectomy in patients with Terson syndrome

PURPOSE

To report findings and evaluate the results of vitrectomy in 22 eyes with Terson syndrome.

METHODS

We reviewed retrospectively the records of patients who underwent pars plana vitrectomy as a result of vitreous haemorrhage. Twelve cases concerned unilateral vitrectomy and five concerned bilateral vitrectomy. The time interval between intracranial haemorrhage and vitrectomy was 1-10 months (mean 5.9 months).

RESULTS

During a mean follow-up of 23.3 months (range 1-69 months) visual acuity (VA) improved in 21 of 22 eyes. Preoperative VA was < or = 0.1 in 20 of 22 eyes, while postoperative VA was > or = 0.5 in 16 of 21 eyes. Poor visual outcomes were mainly caused by retinal detachments (seven eyes, in which three were caused by proliferative vitreoretinopathy), epiretinal membranes (seven eyes) and optic atrophy (one eye). Our study concurs with recent reports suggesting early vitrectomy in bilateral cases and in cases where ultrasonography shows epiretinal membrane or proliferative retinopathy formation.

Terson's syndrome in subarachnoid hemorrhage and severe brain injury accompanied by acutely raised intracranial pressure

Object

The syndrome of retinal or vitreous hemorrhage in association with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is known as Terson's syndrome. The authors' purpose was to determine whether intraocular hemorrhage occurs with similar incidence when caused by severe brain injury accompanied by acutely raised intracranial pressure (ICP).

Methods

Prospective ophthalmological examination was performed in 22 consecutive patients with SAH or severe brain injury and elevated ICP. Thirteen patients were admitted for SAH (World Federation of Neurological Surgeons Grades II–IV) and nine for severe brain injury (Glasgow Coma Scale scores 3–10). Monitoring of ICP was performed at the time of admission via a ventricular catheter. Initial ICP exceeded 20 mm Hg in all patients. Indirect ophthalmoscopy without induced mydriasis was performed within the 1st week after the acute event. Retinal or vitreous hemorrhage was seen in six (46%) of 13 patients with SAH and in four (44%) of nine patients with severe brain injury. Ocular bleeding was found bilaterally in three patients with SAH and in one patient with severe brain injury (18%). Six of the 10 patients with Terson's syndrome died as a result of their acute event.

Conclusions

The present results indicate that Terson's syndrome may be related to acute elevation of ICP, independent of its causes, and may occur with similar incidence in patients with severe brain injury and those with SAH. Because recognition and treatment of Terson's syndrome may prevent visual impairment and associated secondary damage to the eye, increased awareness of this entity in all patients with acute raised intracranial hypertension is recommended.

Treatment of aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage in elderly patients

Spontaneous subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) due to ruptured saccular aneurysm is the fourth most frequent cerebrovascular disorder following atherosclerosis, embolism, and primary intracerebral haemorrhage (1). SAH is a common and often devastating condition, which is a significant cause of world-wide morbidity and mortality (2). The aim of this article is to review the epidemiology, pathophysiology and current management of SAH.

Terson syndrome caused by ventricular hemorrhage associated with moyamoya disease--case report

A 24-year-old female presented with Terson syndrome secondary to bilateral ventricular hemorrhage as a complication of moyamoya disease. Ophthalmoscopy and magnetic resonance imaging clearly demonstrated vitreous hemorrhage in the left eye globe. Various visual symptoms are associated with moyamoya disease, almost all of which result from ischemic lesions in the visual cortex and optic pathways. In this case, the visual disturbance was caused by Terson syndrome secondary to ventricular hemorrhage. Close ophthalmological and radiological evaluation is mandatory even in patients with moyamoya disease and hemorrhagic manifestation located in the intracerebral, subarachnoid, or intraventricular space.

Terson's syndrome in subarachnoid hemorrhage and severe brain injury accompanied by acutely raised intracranial pressure

OBJECT

The syndrome of retinal or vitreous hemorrhage in association with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is known as Terson's syndrome. The authors' purpose was to determine whether intraocular hemorrhage occurs with similar incidence when caused by severe brain injury accompanied by acutely raised intracranial pressure (ICP).

METHODS

Prospective ophthalmological examination was performed in 22 consecutive patients with SAH or severe brain injury and elevated ICP. Thirteen patients were admitted for SAH (World Federation of Neurological Surgeons Grades II-IV) and nine for severe brain injury (Glasgow Coma Scale scores 3-10). Monitoring of ICP was performed at the time of admission via a ventricular catheter. Initial ICP exceeded 20 mm Hg in all patients. Indirect ophthalmoscopy without induced mydriasis was performed within the 1st week after the acute event. Retinal or vitreous hemorrhage was seen in six (46%) of 13 patients with SAH and in four (44%) of nine patients with severe brain injury. Ocular bleeding was found bilaterally in three patients with SAH and in one patient with severe brain injury (18%). Six of the 10 patients with Terson's syndrome died as a result of their acute event.

CONCLUSIONS

The present results indicate that Terson's syndrome may be related to acute elevation of ICP, independent of its causes, and may occur with similar incidence in patients with severe brain injury and those with SAH. Because recognition and treatment of Terson's syndrome may prevent visual impairment and associated secondary damage to the eye, increased awareness of this entity in all patients with acute raised intracranial hypertension is recommended.

Terson syndrome. Results of vitrectomy and the significance of vitreous hemorrhage in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of study A was to assess the effectiveness of vitrectomy for Terson syndrome. The purpose of study B was to determine the incidence and significance of vitreous hemorrhage in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage.

DESIGN

Study A is a retrospective review of case series. Study B is a prospective study.

PARTICIPANTS

Study A examined a consecutive series of 4 children (7 eyes) and 23 adults (26 eyes). Study B examined a consecutive series of 100 patients.

INTERVENTION

Subjects in study A underwent pars plana vitrectomy for dense vitreous hemorrhage following intracranial hemorrhage. In study B, ophthalmoscopic examination of patients undergoing neurosurgery for ruptured cerebral aneurysms was used.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

In study A, the extent and rapidity of visual recovery and intraoperative and postoperative complications were examined. In study B, the incidences of intraocular hemorrhage and Terson syndrome in the cohort and the significance of the presence of vitreous hemorrhage in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage were examined.

RESULTS

Study A: There was substantial and rapid visual improvement in 25 of the 26 eyes (96%) of the adult patients, with 21 eyes (81%) achieving > or = 20/30 final visual acuity. Only limited improvement was achieved in children's eyes (< or = 20/60). Study B: Intraocular hemorrhage was found in 17% of eyes in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage; the incidence of Terson syndrome was 8%. All patients with Terson syndrome and 89% of the patients with other types of intraocular hemorrhage had a history of coma compared with 46% of those without intraocular hemorrhage (P = 0.0003).

CONCLUSIONS

Vitreous hemorrhage in patients surviving subarachnoid hemorrhage appears to be more common than previously thought, underscoring the need for routine funduscopic screening. Surgical intervention is highly effective in hastening visual rehabilitation of adults with Terson syndrome. The less encouraging results in infants may be due to amblyopia or direct brain damage caused by the cerebrovascular incident.

Screening for ocular hemorrhages in patients with ruptured cerebral aneurysms: a prospective study of 99 patients

BACKGROUND

Terson's syndrome (vitreous hemorrhage) and other ocular hemorrhages (retinal hemorrhages) have been reported to occur in up to 40% of patients with ruptured cerebral aneurysms. Because microsurgical vitrectomy can safely restore vision in patients with visual loss secondary to Terson's syndrome, we hypothesized that prospectively screening a selected group of patients with aneurysms would result in a higher rate of vitrectomy in patients with more extensive subarachnoid hemorrhage.

METHODS

Ninety-nine patients with ruptured cerebral aneurysms were prospectively screened for Terson's syndrome and other forms of ocular hemorrhage by an ophthalmologist. Follow-up data were obtained for seven of eight cases of Terson's syndrome, and vitrectomy was performed for visual restoration when indicated.

RESULTS

Ocular hemorrhages were present in 17% of patients with ruptured cerebral aneurysms, and Terson's syndrome was present in 8% of patients. Screening of patients with histories of transient or prolonged comas sensitively identified patients with ocular hemorrhages in 100% of the patients with Terson's syndrome and 89% of the patients with other ocular hemorrhages. Fifty-five percent of the patients in the overall series had histories of transient or prolonged comas, and 53% (specificity) of those patients had ocular hemorrhages. Two of the eight patients with Terson's syndrome underwent vitrectomy, with dramatic improvement in vision. No other ocular hemorrhages required surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Ophthalmological screening of patients with histories of transient or prolonged comas after ruptured cerebral aneurysms very sensitively identifies patients with ocular hemorrhages, which are relatively common in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage treated in an academic neurosurgical practice. The present study underestimates the true incidence of Terson's syndrome in that patients who died shortly after their subarachnoid hemorrhage were not included. Vitrectomy for patients who do not exhibit spontaneous improvement in vision results in a dramatic reversal of blindness.

Terson's syndrome: a reversible cause of blindness following subarachnoid hemorrhage

Terson's syndrome refers to the occurrence of vitreous hemorrhage with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), usually due to a ruptured cerebral aneurysm. Although it is a well-described entity in the ophthalmological literature, it has been only rarely commented upon in the neurosurgical discussion of SAH. Fundus findings are reported in a prospective study of 22 consecutive patients with a computerized tomography- or lumbar puncture-proven diagnosis of SAH. Six of these patients had intraocular hemorrhage on initial examination. In four patients vitreous hemorrhage was evident on presentation (six of eight eyes). In the subsequent 12 days, vitreous hemorrhage developed in the additional two patients (three of four eyes) due to breakthrough bleeding from the original subhyaloid hemorrhages. The initial amount of intraocular hemorrhage did not correlate with the severity of SAH. Two of the six patients with intraocular hemorrhage died, whereas five of the 16 remaining SAH patients without intraocular hemorrhage died. Of the four survivors with intraocular hemorrhage, three showed gradual but significant improvement in their visual acuity by 6 months. The fourth underwent vitrectomy at 8 months after presentation and had a good visual result. With modern and aggressive medical and microsurgical management, Terson's syndrome should be recognized as an important reversible cause of blindness in patients surviving SAH.

Terson's syndrome. Clinicopathologic correlations

In seven cases of Terson's syndrome, an elevated, dome-shaped, membrane was detected in the posterior pole by ophthalmoscopy, echography, or during pars plana vitrectomy. Light and electron microscopic examination of two additional eyes obtained postmortem from an acute case of Terson's syndrome revealed that the posterior vitreous face was elevated by blood and that the internal limiting membrane of the retina was intact and in its normal position. In two chronic cases, a dome-shaped epiretinal membrane was excised from the macula during vitrectomy. Light and ultrastructural studies demonstrated that the membranes consisted of glial cells and basement membrane material. The dome-shaped structure observed in eyes with Terson's syndrome is due to the formation of a subhyaloid hemorrhage. The partially detached posterior hyaloid face created by this hemorrhage provides a scaffold for cellular proliferation and the development of an elevated epiretinal membrane in long-standing cases. Echographically, this membrane resembles a retinal detachment in B-scans, but can be clearly distinguished from retina with standardized A-scan.

Ophthalmoscopic findings in occult child abuse

Two previously healthy infants initially presented with vomiting and lethargy. There was a history of whiplash shaken infant syndrome in one infant, but neither child had external or skeletal survey evidence of abuse. However, ophthalmoscopy revealed bilateral retinal hemorrhages, papilledema and vitreous hemorrhage. Subdural aspirations revealed occult hematomas. Both children required ventricular peritoneal shunts to control intracranial pressure. Ophthalmologists, pediatricians, and primary physicians should be aware of the possibility of child abuse in the differential of diagnosis of Terson's syndrome, especially in infants since this may be the only physical finding.

Vitrectomy in Terson's syndrome

Five patients with nonclearing vitreous hemorrhage associated with subarachnoid or subdural hemorrhages (Terson's syndrome) underwent pars plana vitrectomy. All six eyes of the five patients had postoperatively improved visual acuity and visual function. We recommend treating this rare syndrome with vitrectomy after careful preoperative ophthalmologic examination and a minimum observation period of six months to one year.

Vitreous hemorrhage after intracranial hemorrhage

Eight patients, aged 2 months to 55 years, developed vitreous hemorrhages as a result of subarachnoid or subdural bleeding. Subhyaloid hemorrhages were associated with, or preceded, hemorrhage into the vitreous cavity in four cases. Most vitreous hemorrhages cleared spontaneously, several months later, without major visual sequelae. In one patient, intravitreal blood persisted after 28 months. Vitreous hemorrhage can be a serious complication in patients surviving subarachnoid or subdural hemorrhages and, though uncommon, probably occurs with greater frequency than previously acknowledged. While vitrectomy may be a reasonable therapeutic approach in selected cases, in most instances vitreous hemorrhage following intracranial hemorrhage should be treated conservatively.

Intravitreal hemorrhage associated with rapid increase in intracranial pressure (Terson's syndrome)

Four patients manifested Terson's syndrome in association with increased intracranial pressure. Three patients had subarachnoid hemorrhages, while the fourth suffered strangulation. Vitreous hemorrhage probably is related to the rapid increase in intracranial pressure with compression of the central retinal vein and its choroidal anastamotic channels.

Vitreous hemorrhages and sudden increased intracranial pressure

✓ Six cases of bilateral hemorrhage into the vitreous body related to intracranial hypertension are presented. Four were associated with ruptured cerebral aneurysms, and the others followed head injury. The onset of vitreous hemorrhage was delayed in all cases, and in five patients subhyaloid hemorrhages were present from 2 to 27 days prior to their extension into the vitreous. Visual acuity was greatly reduced. The ophthalmoscopic and slit lamp appearance of the vitreous are described. The hemorrhages usually cleared spontaneously within 24 months, and vision returned to normal. Surgical treatment to remove residual vitreous blood in selected cases is outlined.

Intraocular and optic nerve sheath hemorrhage in cases of sudden intracranial hypertension

✓ The eyes of 23 patients with sudden intracranial hypertension were studied at post-mortem. Intraocular hemorrhage had occurred in 37% and optic nerve sheath hemorrhage in 87%. Expansion of the optic nerve sheath, particularly the fusiform retrobulbar portion, was a consistent finding. The subdural space of the optic nerve sheath bore the brunt of the hemorrhage which sometimes communicated with perivascular intradural hemorrhages. Optic nerve sheath hemorrhage is shown to result from rupture of dural and bridging vessels of the optic nerve sheath; this we conclude is subsequent to optic nerve sheath dilatation caused by the transmission of intracranial pressure through the subarachnoid communication between the optic nerve sheath and the intracranial cavity. Intraocular hemorrhage is the result of retinal venous hypertension and rupture brought on by obstruction of both the central retinal vein and the retinochoroidal anastomosis.