Protein C and protein S deficiency associated with retinal, optic nerve, and cerebral ischaemia

• Published in: British journal of ophthalmology Vol. 83; no. 6; pp. 753 - 753b
• Main Authors: AMBATI, JAYAKRISHNA, HANUCH, OMAR E, BRESNICK, GEORGE H
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: BMA House, Tavistock Square, London, WC1H 9JR BMJ Publishing Group Ltd 01-06-1999; BMJ Publishing Group LTD
• Subjects: Antigens; Brain Ischemia - etiology; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 - complications; Diabetic retinopathy; Female; Humans; Letters to the Editor; Medical imaging; Middle Aged; Optic nerve; Optic Neuropathy, Ischemic - etiology; Protein C Deficiency - complications; Protein S Deficiency - complications; Proteins; Retina; Retinal Vessels; Veins & arteries
• ISSN: 0007-1161; 1468-2079
• DOI: 10.1136/bjo.83.6.753b

CASE REPORT A 47 year old woman with non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus with documented absence of previous retinopathy presented with blurring of vision and bright flashing lights in her right eye for 2 weeks, associated with vague periocular discomfort and left sided facial and leg numbness. The rapid changes in the appearance of cotton wool spots over a period of several days, which is not consistent with their natural course in diabetic retinopathy, 7 combined with neurological symptoms prompted us to search for systemic causes of ischaemia, including evaluation for hypercoagulable states.