Acute angle-closure glaucoma concurrent with COVID 19 infection; case report

Abstract

Introduction To report three cases that developed acute angle-closure glaucoma on the background of hyponatremia due to COVID 19 infection. Methods Data of patients with positive PCR result for COVID 19 infection and concurrent findings of acute angle-closure glaucoma were analysed retrospectively. Results The common characteristic of all cases was positive PCR test for COVID 19 infection taken from the nasopharyngeal swab 4 or 5 days ago. Their serum sodium levels were lower than 135 mmol / L. At the initial ophthalmic examination, all cases had diffuse corneal edema with shallow anterior chambers and mid-dilated non-reacting pupils.The choroid was evaluated as normal by ocular ultrasonography. Intraocular pressures (IOP) of the first, second, and third cases were 35 mmHg, 44 mmHg, and 40 mm Hg, respectively. 5–10 cc/kg mannitol was given to all patients intravenously within 30 min. Simultaneously, they began to use oral acetazolamide, topical pilocarpine, beta-blocker, and prednisolone acetate drops.After stabilization of IOP, Neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet;(ND: YAG) Laser iridotomy was performed on all patients. No additional fluid therapy was given to the patients other than mannitol, and it was determined that the blood sodium level remained at normal levels after diuresis. Discussion Hyponatremia is the most common electrolyte disorder in COVID 19 infection. Hyponatremia may cause an angle-closure attack in patients with shallow anterior chamber angles.Therefore, one should be aware of the possibility of angle-closure glaucoma in patients who develop hyponatremia due to COVID 19 disease. Suspected patients should be referred to the ophthalmology department.