Bilateral anterior ischemic optic neuropathy following EHEC sepsis and hemolytic-uremic syndrome

• Published in: Der Ophthalmologe : Zeitschrift der Deutschen Ophthalmologischen Gesellschaft Vol. 110; no. 7; p. 668
• Main Authors: Wortmann, T, Jägle, H, Hufendiek, K
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: German
• Published: Germany 01.07.2013
• Subjects: Diagnosis, Differential; Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli; Escherichia coli Infections - complications; Escherichia coli Infections - diagnosis; Escherichia coli Infections - prevention & control; Female; Hemolytic-Uremic Syndrome - complications; Hemolytic-Uremic Syndrome - diagnosis; Hemolytic-Uremic Syndrome - prevention & control; Humans; Middle Aged; Optic Neuropathy, Ischemic - diagnosis; Optic Neuropathy, Ischemic - etiology; Optic Neuropathy, Ischemic - prevention & control; Renal Dialysis - adverse effects; Vision Disorders - diagnosis; Vision Disorders - etiology; Vision Disorders - prevention & control
• ISSN: 1433-0423
• DOI: 10.1007/s00347-012-2746-1

After emerging from a coma caused by enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) sepsis with severe neurological and renal involvement a 53-year-old female patient complained of blurred vision. Due to hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS) the patient also suffered from dialysis-dependent acute kidney failure. Horizontal visual field defects of the lower hemifield and corresponding segmental optic disc pallor were found in both eyes. Bilateral anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (AION) was diagnosed presumably caused by high volume shifting and hypotonia due to sepsis and dialysis. The literature revealed that bilateral AION is often seen after complex surgical procedures or in patients with severe metabolic disorders. This ophthalmologic complication should always be taken into consideration because of the serious permanent visual damage.