A Case of Neovascular Glaucoma with Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion Accompanied by Severe Anemia

Abstract

Purpose: Here we report a case of neovascular glaucoma in a patient with branch retinal vein occlusion and severe anemia due to advanced gastric cancer.Case summary: A 79-year-old hypertensive male was transferred to the emergency room because of ocular pain and high intraocular pressure (IOP) in the right eye. He had a history of sectoral retinal photocoagulation for branch retinal vein occlusion in the right eye at a local hospital 9 months previously, and was suspected of having ocular ischemic syndrome for the past 7 days. At the time of admission, his best-corrected visual acuity was hand motion in the right eye and 1.0 in the left eye. His IOP was 28 mmHg in the right eye and 15 mmHg in the left eye, measured using a Goldman applanation tonometer. Neovascularization was observed in the iris on slit-lamp examination; detailed fundus examination and gonioscopy could not be performed because of hyphema in the right eye. Ahmed valve implantation was planned based on a diagnosis of neovascular glaucoma. Preoperative blood tests showed severe anemia (hemoglobin: 7.8 g/dL), indicating gastrointestinal bleeding. Advanced gastric cancer was confirmed on endoscopy and biopsy. Ahmed valve implantation was performed in the right eye and the IOP was maintained within the normal range. Distal gastrectomy was performed by the general surgery department.Conclusions: Severe neovascular glaucoma in branch retinal vein occlusion patients requires careful systemic examination for concomitant factors that may worsen the retinal blood supply.