Ischemic Retinopathy with Vitreous Hemorrhage Resembling Diabetic Retinopathy in a Patient with Mixed Cryoglobulinemia.

PURPOSE

To report a case of mixed cryoglobulinemia manifesting retinopathy with bilateral vitreous hemorrhage (VH) resembling diabetic retinopathy.

CASE REPORT

A 60-year-old Japanese man with renal dysfunction of unknown origin was hospitalized for investigation of underlying disease. Laboratory examinations were positive for cryoglobulins composed of IgG and IgM in serum, and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. He was diagnosed with HCV-related mixed cryoglobulinemia. During hospitalization, he developed sudden loss of vision and was referred to the department of ophthalmology. Ophthalmic examination revealed VH in both eyes, and vitrectomy was performed on the right eye. Fundus examination after vitrectomy revealed sheathing vessels, mottled hemorrhages in the entire retina, and avascular areas with neovascularization. Disrupted outer retinal layers in the macula were confirmed. Vitreous fluid level of VEGF-A in the right eye was 166.6 pg/mL.

CONCLUSION

Retinal ischemia resembling diabetic retinopathy may cause VH in patients with mixed cryoglobulinemia.