[Vitreous hemorrhage as a complication of subarachnoid hemorrhage (Terson's syndrome) (author's transl)].

We represent a case of vitreous hemorrhage due to subarachnoid hemorrhage from a ruptured aneurysm of the right vertebral artery to draw attention to this complication. A 53-year-old man was admitted to our hospital because of generalized headache and reduced visual acuity of both eyes. On admission the patient was alert and there were moderate nuchal stiffness and mild symmetrical hyperreflexia in the extremities. Ophthalmological consultation revealed bilateral retinal, subhyaloid and vitreous hemorrhages. Four-vessel angiography demonstrated an aneurysm of the right vertebral artery. At operation, it became clear that the aneurysm was a dissecting one. The vertebral artery was clipped at the most proximal intracranial portion. Postoperative course was smooth and uneventful except deteriorated visual acuity. His visual acuity deteriorated continuously to hand movements 18 days after subarachnoid hemorrhage. His visual acuity, however, gradually improved without specific treatment. At the time of this writing, his visual acuity is 1.0 on both sides. Vitreous hemorrhage is a rare complication following a reptured aneurysm. Pertinent literature concerning fundal hemorrhage, especially vitreous hemorrhage, associated with subarachnoid hemorrhage suggests that it may occur as a result of sudden increase of intracranial pressure.