Traumatic Maculopathies Associated with Closed-Globe Injury

Abstract

Traumatic maculopathies due to closed-globe injury are commotio retinae (Berlin’s edema), choroidal rupture, traumatic macular hole, retinitis sclopetaria, shaken baby syndrome, Valsalva retinopathy, and Purtscher retinopathy. The main pathology in commotio retinae is in the outer retinal layers and usually resolves spontaneously. Blunt eye traumas coming from the anterior aspect can cause choroidal ruptures. These are mainly due to the rupture of inelastic Bruch membrane and adjacent structures. If they involve fovea, visual loss can occur. Late choroidal neovascularisation may develop in 1/10 of the cases. Traumatic macular holes develop in less than 2% of the blunt ocular traumas. Early macular holes result from tangential traction whereas late holes from anteroposterior vitreoretinal traction. They can be closed spontaneously within 4 months, especially in young patients. Retinitis sclopetaria is rare. It results from high-velocity pellets that hit but do not penetrate the globe. Shock waves can cause the rupture of the choroid and overlie the neurosensory retina. The shaken baby syndrome is a result of the violence in the family. It must be reported to the police. Retinal hemorrhages, cotton wool spots, and hemorrhagic retinoschisis areas are the prominent features. The sudden increase in intrathoracic or abdominal pressure may lead to the rupture of the retinal capillaries and usually a sub-internal limiting membrane hemorrhage in Valsalva retinopathy. If it is larger than 3-disc diameters and persists for more than 3 weeks; it may be drained into vitreous with an Nd-YAG laser. Purtscher retinopathy is an occlusive microvasculopathy resulting from severe head trauma or compression injuries of the thorax. Intraretinal hemorrhages, geometric white areas (Purtscher flecken), and cotton wool spots are typical features. Usually fades within 1-2 months. Medicolegal aspects as well as ocular and systemic associations are also important in closed globe injuries and should not be neglected.