A rare case report of bilateral Purtscher-like retinopathy in juvenile dermatomyositis.

ABSTRACT

Purpose: To report a rare case of bilateral Purtscher-like retinopathy (PLR) in a young adult diagnosed with dermatomyositis. Method: A case report with multi-modal imaging. Result: A 17-year-old male presented with subacute marked diminution of vision along with arthralgia, weakness of all four limbs and development of multiple rashes around body. Fundus examination revealed bilateral multiple Purtscher flecken, pseudo-cherry red spot, and intra-retinal haemorrhages with cotton wool spots. Systemic and laboratory examinations, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and biopsy of tissue confirmed the diagnosis of juvenile dermatomyositis with PLR. Conclusion: Dermatomyositis, being a rare cause of PLR, should essentially be considered as one of the differentials as timely intervention can alter the course of disease and prove life-saving for the patient.