Vitreous, retinal and subretinal hemorrhages associated with von Willebrand's syndrome

Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol. 1992;230(5):496-7. doi: 10.1007/BF00175940.

Abstract

Two patients with von Willebrand's syndrome had intraocular hemorrhages without trauma or neovascularization. A 13-year-old Japanese girl complained of sudden spotted vision in her left eye. Vitreous, peripapillary retinal, and subretinal hemorrhages were seen by ophthalmoscopy in the affected eye. In addition, a 19-year-old Japanese man had repeated vitreous hemorrhage and epistaxis. Also noted was gyrate atrophy of the choroid and retina. Analysis of the coagulation-fibrinolysis system revealed decreased activities of Factor VIII and von Willebrand's factor in both patients. The amount of von Willebrand's factor antigen also was decreased. These results suggested that the patients had von Willebrand's syndrome. The bleeding tendency in the disorder appeared to be responsible for the pathogenesis of the intraocular hemorrhages seen in these patients.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Factor VIII / metabolism
  • Female
  • Fluorescein Angiography
  • Fundus Oculi
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Retinal Hemorrhage / etiology*
  • Retinal Hemorrhage / pathology
  • Vitreous Hemorrhage / etiology*
  • Vitreous Hemorrhage / pathology
  • von Willebrand Diseases / complications*
  • von Willebrand Diseases / pathology
  • von Willebrand Factor / metabolism

Substances

  • von Willebrand Factor
  • Factor VIII