Hyperhomocysteinemia in chronic alcoholism: A case with retinal manifestations.

CASE REPORT: An alcoholic patient with loss of vision in his right eye and a peripapillar haemorrhage, who then presented with a venous thrombosis. Blood analysis revealed hyperhomocysteinemia with coagulation parameters within the normal range. In the follow-up he developed a bilateral optic neuropathy.

DISCUSSION: An increase in homocysteine levels is common in alcoholics, and it has been considered a vascular risk factor. Folic acid and vitamins B6 and B12 deficiency may lead to hyperhomocysteinemia, as they participate in its metabolism.

CONCLUSIONS

When presented with a retinal occlusive disease or ischemic optic neuropathy in young patients, coagulation disorders and elevated levels of homocysteine should be ruled out.