Trauma-Induced Purtscher Retinopathy in a 12-Year-Old Child: A Rare Pediatric Case Following Severe Thoracic Injury

Background Purtscher retinopathy is a rare retinal disorder characterized by sudden vision loss due to microvascular occlusion. It is exceptionally uncommon in the pediatric population. Case presentation We report the case of a 12-year-old boy presenting with severe vision loss in the right eye following polytrauma. Ophthalmologic examination revealed visual acuity limited to counting fingers at 1 meter. Fundus examination showed areas of ischemic retinal whitening in the posterior pole, associated with retinal hemorrhages and cotton-wool spots. Optical coherence tomography demonstrated inner retinal hyperreflectivity. Conclusion This case highlights the importance of recognizing this rare entity in children and emphasizes the need for thorough investigation of the underlying cause, as it may be associated with severe systemic conditions or, in some cases, child abuse, both of which may be life-threatening.