Eur J Ophthalmol. 2009 May-Jun;19(3):494-5.

Acute reversible Charles Bonnet syndrome precipitated by sudden severe anemia.

Kaeser PF1, Borruat FX.

• 1Hôpital Ophtalmique Jules Gonin, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.

PURPOSE:

To report the sudden onset of reversible Charles Bonnet syndrome precipitated byacute severe anemia.

METHODS:

The charts of three patients (Usher syndrome, bilateral macular degeneration, and bilateral retinal vein occlusion) with acute Charles Bonnet syndrome in the setting of severe anemia were reviewed.

RESULTS:

Anemia resulted from bladder surgery, recto-colitis, and severe urinary tract infection. Hemoglobin ranged from 78 to 86 g/L. Decreased visual acuity and formed visual hallucinations (giants, flowers, animals) were present in all three patients. Rapid reversal of Charles Bonnet syndrome and visual acuity improvement followed blood transfusion.

CONCLUSIONS:

Acute severe anemia can precipitate Charles Bonnet syndrome, which may be reversible by blood transfusion.

PMID:

19396804