Nonrhegmatogenous retinal detachment in Goodpasture's syndrome: a case report and discussion of the clinicopathologic entity.

BACKGROUND

Goodpasture's syndrome is a rare, rapidly fatal disease that consists of glomerulonephritis and pulmonary hemorrhage. Although not common, the ophthalmic manifestations of this disease include hemorrhagic and/or exudative retinopathy and infrequently, nonrhegmatogenous retinal detachment.

METHODS

A 25-year-old white male was examined with a complaint of bilateral intermittent blurring of vision. His medical history revealed a diagnosis of Goodpasture's syndrome with subsequent renal failure and associated complications. Ophthalmoscopy and visual field testing demonstrated bilateral, inferior nonrhegmatogenous retinal detachments.

RESULTS

Optimum control of both blood pressure and metabolic processes were recommended to increase the chance of resolution of the nonrhegmatogenous retinal detachments.

CONCLUSIONS

Although infrequently seen in Goodpasture's syndrome, nonrhegmatogenous retinal detachment may have a good prognosis for recovery when diagnosed early and with treatment of the underlying disease and its metabolic derangements.