Abstract

INTRODUCTION
To review case reports of retinal detachment in women with pre-eclampsia/eclampsia.
METHODS
20 cases of retinal detachment identified;11 were associated with severe pre-eclampsia, 6 with HELLP syndrome, 2 with eclampsia, and 1 with both HELLP syndrome and eclampsia. The majority (60%) of women were nulliparous, 3 had abruptio placentae, and cesarean delivery was performed in 75%.
RESULTS
Retinal detachment was bilateral in 85% and associated with delivery of the fetus in 95%; 70% were diagnosed postpartum. Within 2–12 weeks postpartum, all patients had complete recovery of vision with clinical management.
CONCLUSION
Retinal detachment in pre-eclampsia/eclampsia might be associated with HELLP syndrome, indicating that microangiopathic hemolysis might have a role in the pathophysiology of RD. Its occurrence might not be correlated with severity of pre-eclampsia because pre-eclampsia is a constellation of signs and symptoms rather than simply being hypertension.