A rare case of acute angle closure due to spontaneous suprachoroidal haemorrhage secondary to loss of anti-coagulation control: a case report

BACKGROUND: Suprachoroidal haemorrhage is a rare complication of either medical anticoagulation treatment or intraocular surgical procedures. Suprachoroidal haemorrhages often have devastating visual outcome despite conservative and/or surgical intervention. CASE PRESENTATION: A patient with known Open Angle Glaucoma and Atrial Fibrillation on warfarin presents symptoms and signs suggestive acute angle closure. Examination reveals the underlying cause is a large, macula involving, spontaneous suprachoroidal haemorrhage secondary to loss of anti-coagulation control. Following aggressive medical treatment and surgical intervention, including drainage combined cataract extraction with intraocular lens implant, pars-plana vitrectomy, and external drainage of suprachoroidal haematoma, we managed to preserve the patient’s eye and some of its function. CONCLUSION: Spontaneous suprachoroidal haemorrhages are rare complications of loss of anticoagulation control. Our case shows that aggressive treatment in selected cases can offer a relatively good outcome. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (10.1186/s12886-018-0857-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.