The clinical findings have traditionally been
associated with severe crush injuries. However, Purtscher retinopathy has
also been reported in association with pancreatitis, thrombocytopenic
purpura, hemolytic uremic syndrome, systemic lupus erythematosus,
dermatomyositis, scleroderma, and amniotic fluid embolism. The
ophthalmoscopic findings associated with this syndrome are peripapillary
cotton-wool spots, intraretinal hemorrhages, asymmetrical venous
engorgement, and retinal whitening. Obviously, the circumstances in which
Purtscher retinopathy develops determine the whole clinical picture.