Choroidal Detachment and Increased Intraocular Pressure in a Case of Secondary Pulmonary Hypertension.

PURPOSE: To report a case of secondary pulmonary hypertension, choroidal detachment, and increased intraocular pressure (IOP) in a patient with a congenital ventricular septal defect.

METHODS

This is a case report.

PATIENT: A 36-year-old man with congenital ventricular septal defect developed dilated and congested conjunctival and episcleral veins, high IOP, and choroidal detachment.

RESULTS

The right eye had secondary glaucoma, myopia, and choroidal detachment. He had severe pulmonary hypertension and decreased heart function. After successful treatment for heart failure, IOP was reduced, the refractive state returned to normal, choroidal detachment was reversed, and visual acuity improved.

CONCLUSIONS

Secondary pulmonary hypertension resulting from a congenital ventricular septal defect caused serious optic abnormalities that resolved substantially with appropriate treatment of the pulmonary hypertension.