摘要
Rationale: Symptoms of floaters and signs of retinal hemorrhages are common acute visual complaints and diagnoses. Diabetic or hypertensive retinopathy is prevalent, yet their differential of Valsalva retinopathy is rare.Patient concerns: A 32-year-old lady presented with floaters was found to have bilateral multi-layered retinal hemorrhages one day after laparoscopic surgery under general anesthesia. Diagnosis: Bilateral Valsalva retinopathy after general anesthesia. Interventions: The patient was offered observational conservative treatment. Outcomes: Multi-layered retinal hemorrhages resolved, but with residual left eye metamorphopsia from epiretinal membrane formation. Lessons: Valsalva retinopathy can be differentiated from common diabetic or hypertensive retinopathy by its characteristics of multi-layered hemorrhage. Valsalva retinopathy after general anesthesia is a rare disease. General anesthesia can cause Valsalva retinopathy in a few ways: intubation, positioning, iatrogenic Valsalva maneuver intra-operatively, post-operative coughing or vomiting, etc. In addition, permanent visual impairment could sometimes occur.
