# A rare case report of bilateral Purtscher-like retinopathy in juvenile dermatomyositis

## TL;DR

This case report describes a rare instance of eye damage in a young man with a skin and muscle disease called dermatomyositis.

## Contribution

The novelty lies in documenting a rare case of bilateral Purtscher-like retinopathy associated with juvenile dermatomyositis in a young adult.

## Key findings

- A 17-year-old male presented with vision loss and symptoms consistent with juvenile dermatomyositis.
- Fundus examination revealed Purtscher flecken, pseudo-cherry red spots, and retinal hemorrhages.
- Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly impact disease outcomes in such rare cases.

## Abstract

To report a rare case of bilateral Purtscher-like retinopathy (PLR) in a young adult diagnosed with dermatomyositis

A case report with multi-modal imaging

A 17-year-old male presented with subacute marked diminution of vision along with arthralgia, weakness of all four limbs and development of multiple rashes around body. Fundus examination revealed bilateral multiple Purtscher flecken, pseudo-cherry red spot, and intra-retinal haemorrhages with cotton wool spots. Systemic and laboratory examinations, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and biopsy of tissue confirmed the diagnosis of juvenile dermatomyositis with PLR.

Dermatomyositis, being a rare cause of PLR, should essentially be considered as one of the differentials as timely intervention can alter the course of disease and prove life-saving for the patient.