Yeungnam Univ J Med.  2006 Dec;23(2):227-231. 10.12701/yujm.2006.23.2.227.

A Case of Valsalva Retinopathy Associated with Straining at Stool

• Lee TY
• Chang WH

• KMID: 2049779
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.12701/yujm.2006.23.2.227

Abstract

The Valsalva maneuver is described as an expiratory effort against a closed glottis or airway. It leads to elevation of retinal venous pressure and may result in retinal hemorrhage. A fifty two-year-old man presented with an acute reduction of central visual acuity in his right eye which occurred after considerable straining at stool. Detailed past medical history revealed that he suffered from chronic constipation and hypertension. There were one disc sized subhyaloid hemorrhage and three small intraretinal hemorrhages around the fovea at the dilated fundus examination. After three months of follow-up without any treatment, the retinal hemorrhages resolved without any sequelae. Here we report a patient with sudden visual loss and retinal hemorrhage.

Keyword

Constipation; Preretinal hemorrhage; Valsalva maneuver; Valsalva retinopathy

MeSH Terms

Constipation
Follow-Up Studies
Glottis
Hemorrhage
Humans
Hypertension
Retinal Hemorrhage
Retinaldehyde
Valsalva Maneuver
Venous Pressure
Visual Acuity
Retinaldehyde