Retinal Hemorrhages During Examination for Retinopathy of Prematurity: A Form of Ocular Decompression Retinopathy

Purpose: Posterior segment hemorrhage occurring during or shortly after examination (PSHE) for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a very rare complication. We present a case of and review the literature on PSHE during ROP examination to better characterize this complication. Methods: A case report is presented, followed by a review of similar cases in the literature. Results: An infant undergoing laser photocoagulation for ROP rapidly developed diffuse intraretinal hemorrhages in his right eye during the laser and after a Valsalva event while he was intubated under general anesthesia. The hemorrhages resolved within 1 week. This presentation was similar to those in previously reported cases. Conclusions: PSHE in ROP usually consists of multiple, diffuse, intraretinal hemorrhages that occur within minutes of ROP examination and resolve within a few weeks without any other ocular findings or sequelae. PSHE seems to represent a form of ocular decompression retinopathy.