An Unforeseeable Complication; Posterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy after Penetrating Injury to the Heart

Abstract

Trauma surgeons are currently encountering unusual adverse events after traumatic injuries. Ischemic optic neuropathy is a rare complication that may occur in trauma and burn patients that present in extremis and require massive resuscitation. A 29-year-old male patient sustains a penetrating injury to the heart that required primary repair. He remained hemodynamically stable and required a limited amount of resuscitative fluids and products. Postoperatively, the patient develops acute painless bilateral loss of vision. These findings were consistent with posterior ischemic optic neuropathy. Ischemic optic neuropathy are uncommon entities that arise in trauma patients who require massive resuscitation. Given the limited treatment options, early diagnosis is key in limiting the hemodynamic insult to the optic nerve.