Color vision abnormality as the sole manifestation of posterior reversible encephalopathy due to post‐partum HELLP syndrome. Issue 3 (21st January 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Takahashi, Hironori; Matsubara, Teppei; Makino, Shinji; Horie, Kenji; Matsubara, Shigeki
• Is Part Of: Journal of obstetrics and gynaecology research. Volume 43:Issue 3(2017)
• Page Start: 592
• Page End: 594
• Publication Date: 2017-01-21
• Subjects: achromatopsia -- HELLP syndrome -- magnetic resonance imaging -- posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome -- pre‐eclampsia; Gynecology -- Periodicals; Obstetrics -- Periodicals; 618.1005
• DOI: 10.1111/jog.13241
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1341-8076

Abstract

Abstract: Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is associated with several symptoms; of those, visual acuity loss, light oversensitivity (photophobia), and light flashes (photopsia) are known as PRES‐related eye symptoms. We report a post‐partum woman with PRES associated with hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelets syndrome (HELLP), in whom color vision abnormality (achromatopsia) was the sole manifestation. Cesarean section was performed at 28 weeks due to headache, epigastralgia, and severe hypertension. HELLP became evident after delivery. On post‐partum day 1, she complained of achromatopsia, stating: "all things look brownish‐gray". Ophthalmologic examination was normal, but brain magnetic resonance imaging showed occipital lobe lesions, indicative of PRES, and, interestingly, also color vision center (area V4) lesions, suggesting that the achromatopsia had been caused by brain damage. It may be prudent to question HELLP patients concerning achromatopsia.