Purtscher-Like Retinopathy and Diffuse Alveolar Hemorrhage Caused by Soft Tissue Injection for Gluteal Augmentation

PURPOSE: To describe a rare occurrence of acute vision loss and diffuse alveolar hemorrhage following a treatment of injectable gluteal cosmetic filler. PATIENT AND METHODS: A 20-year-old female underwent a cosmetic injection of unknown components for gluteal augmentation. Within hours she developed progressive shortness of breath secondary to diffuse alveolar hemorrhage. She presented to ophthalmology 6 weeks later with a history of bilateral decreased vision. Clinical examination revealed cotton wool spots and retinal hemorrhages. Fluorescein angiography demonstrated macular vascular pruning and an enlarged foveal avascular zone. RESULTS: The patient was observed and vision did not improve after 8 months of follow-up. CONCLUSION: These findings were attributed to a Purtscher-like retinopathy secondary to systemic inflammation induced by the filler and/or direct microembolization of the injected material or fat. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first documented case of diffuse alveolar hemorrhage and ischemic bilateral vision loss in a patient undergoing gluteal augmentation with dermal filler.