Bilateral Serous Retinal Detachment as a Complication of HELLP Syndrome

HELLP syndrome is a pregnancy complication, putting at risk the life of mother and child, characterized by high blood pressure, elevated liver enzymes and low platelets. Serous retinal detachment is a rare complication of pregnancy and may be associated with HELLP syndrome. One of the most common symptoms is a decrease in visual acuity. A rare case of bilateral exudative retinal detachment associated with HELLP syndrome is described in a 38-year-old woman a few hours after delivery. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) showed an amount of subretinal fluid and macular edema. Use of systemic corticosteroids and careful management of blood pressure led to early resolution of subretinal fluid and a good recovery of vision. Her final best corrected visual acuity was 1 (decimal notation) in both eyes at 2 weeks after delivery. These types of cases are rarely reported and highlight the importance of increasing awareness of this pathology among ophthalmologists.

Automated summary

HELLP syndrome is a rare pregnancy complication that endangers the lives of both mother and child, characterized by hypertension, liver enzyme elevation, and low platelets. This case report describes a rare occurrence of bilateral exudative retinal detachment associated with HELLP syndrome in a 38-year-old woman after delivery. Prompt treatment with systemic corticosteroids and careful blood pressure management led to a successful resolution of subretinal fluid and significant improvement in vision. The rarity of these cases emphasizes the importance of raising awareness of this pathology among ophthalmologists.