Retinal Hemorrhage in a High-Altitude Aid Post Volunteer Doctor: A Case Report

Bhandari, Sanjeeb Sudarshan, Pranawa Koirala, Nirajan Regmi, and Sushil Pant. Retinal hemorrhage in a high-altitude aid post volunteer doctor: a case report. High Alt Med Biol. 18: 285-287, 2017.-High-altitude retinal hemorrhages (HARHs) are seen at altitudes more than 3000 m, are usually multiple, flame shaped, and adjacent to blood vessels. Development near the macula causes blurring of vision, otherwise, they are symptomless and self-limiting. They often develop during the first few days after ascent to high altitude and subjects often suffer from acute mountain sickness (AMS) or high-altitude cerebral edema (HACE). People going to high altitude for the first time are more susceptible to retinal hemorrhages than experienced climbers and high-altitude dwellers. We present a case of a 31-year-old male doctor who developed sudden unilateral blurring of vision without any other symptoms after 6 weeks of volunteering at a high-altitude aid post in Nepal. There were no features suggestive of AMS or HACE. All examinations were normal except for fundoscopic examination in the left eye, which determined macular retinal hemorrhage. Although he was reluctant to descend, he was counseled to descend and refrained from further ascent to higher altitude, which could accentuate hypoxemia and any strenuous activities that increase intraocular pressure. He recovered his vision after few weeks in Kathmandu and his retinal hemorrhages regressed. Hypoxia exacerbated by repeated bouts of rapid ascent to further higher altitudes may have contributed to his HARH. This suggests that unilateral retinal hemorrhages can develop even after several weeks at high altitude without concomitant AMS or HACE. People going to high altitude are reluctant to retreat, before reaching their target, when they suffer from HARH. The same is shown by a physician. So it is very important for healthcare professionals working at high altitudes especially in the Himalayas of Nepal to have a good knowledge about HARH and its proper treatment.