Bilateral non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy with idiopathic intracranial hypertension secondary to attempted abortion related hemorrhage

Abstract

We report a unique case of bilateral non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy with co-existing idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) in a young female following severe blood loss from abortion. At presentation, she had bilateral gross diminution of vision (hand movements and light perception in right & left eyes respectively) and bilateral pallid disc edema. Lumbar puncture and brain imaging were suggestive of IIH. Temporal association of vision loss with acute blood loss as well as fluorescein angiography were suggestive of bilateral NAION. Patient was treated with intravenous (IV) mannitol, IV methylprednisolone followed by oral steroids, oral acetazolamide, repeat lumbar punctures, and blood transfusion. Vision in right eye improved to 20/40 & left eye 20/500 at sixth month. Multidisciplinary approach is, thus, needed in management of such a case.