Retinal Hemorrhage Associated with Thrombasthenia

Abstract

A healthy 20-year-old man presented with a spontaneous unilateral retinal hemorrhage. Because of a history of easy bruisability, we obtained hematologic studies and diagnosed thrombasthenia, a hereditary hemorrhagic disorder. The association of retinal hemorrhage and thrombasthenia is rare. Thrombasthenia and other platelet functional disorders are becoming better defined as tests for these abnormalities become more reliable and available. Patients with apparent spontaneous retinal hemorrhages of unknown origin should be questioned about hemorrhagic tendencies, and the various tests for hemorrhagic disorders should be obtained. The hematologic survey should include the more sophisticated tests of platelet function. Patients with thrombasthenia should avoid aspirin intake.