Citation

Fernández-Quinto A, Galeiras-Vázquez R, Rodríguez-Pérez E, Bugallo-Sanz J, Rogel-Vence R, López-Suso ME, García-Barreiro JJ, García-Sancho O, Cerdeira-Pena P, Valero-Gasalla JL. Ann. Burns Fire Disasters 2020; 33(2): 116.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2020, Mediterranean Council for Burns and Fire Disasters)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

32913432 PMCID

Abstract

Vision loss is a rare complication due to decreased blood flow through the optic nerve, which has been described in certain groups of postoperative patients and as a major complication in polytraumatisms that need massive fluid resuscitation. However it has rarely been described in burned patients. We describe a patient with ischemic optic neuropathy (ION) as a major burn injury complication, focusing on his massive fluid resuscitation and hospital course and comparing it with previous case reports related to burn injuries in the literature. A 37-year-old male was admitted to the Burn Care Unit with an 85% total body surface burn injury caused by high temperature water vapour with traces of caustic soda. He underwent escharotomies the day of admission and sequential enzymatic and surgical debridement. An ophthalmological follow-up was conducted, with no fundoscopy alterations, and ION and vision loss was subsequently diagnosed. ION is an uncommon and currently irreversible condition, prevention therefore being the principal objective. Thus, minimization of risk factors such as anaemia, significant blood loss and massive fluid resuscitation, is advisable.

Language: en

Keywords

blindness; burn injury; disc pallor; ischemic optic neuropathy; vision loss