Magnetic resonance imaging findings of Terson’s syndrome suggesting a possible vitreous hemorrhage mechanism

Background The mechanism of Terson’s syndrome is controversial. Here we report magnetic resonance (MR) imaging findings of Terson’s syndrome that may help clarify the mechanism responsible for vitreous hemorrhage. Case A 49-year-old man suffered from subarachnoid hemorrhage with bilateral intraocular hemorrhage. Fundus examination revealed sub-internal limiting membrane and retinal hemorrhages in both eyes. MR images were recorded after the neurosurgery. Conclusion The vitreous hemorrhage may be caused by a large amount of blood, originally formed by Terson’s syndrome, entering the subarachnoid space around the optic nerve and from there infiltrating the intraocular space through the perivascular space around the central retinal vessels within the optic nerve.