Exudative retinal detachment and primary pulmonary hypertension.

CASE REPORT: A 60 year old woman who was seen in the emergency department due to sudden loss of vision in left eye. The fundoscopy study showed exudative retinal detachment. The patient referred to dyspnea and peripheral edema of one year duration during the anamnesis. The systematic study revealed the existence of pulmonary hypertension, and she was given diuretic treatment (furosemide). After 48 h the detachment was resolved. Subsequent studies identified a primary pulmonary hypertension.

DISCUSSION: Exudative retinal detachment can be the first clinical sign of a serious disease like primary pulmonary hypertension. The ophthalmologist can be the first to detect this disease.