Disc hemorrhage following peripapillary retinoschisis in glaucoma: a case report

BACKGROUND: Disc hemorrhage (DH) is an important factor often associated with the development and especially progression of glaucoma. In contrast, some studies have reported peripapillary retinoschisis in glaucoma, but it is not recognized as a pathognomonic finding, and opinions on the clinical significance of retinoschisis are not consistent. Here,we present the case of DH following peripapillary retinoschisis in the same area within the same glaucomatous eye. CASE PRESENTATION: A 70-year-old man with high intraocular pressure (IOP) was referred to the glaucoma clinic. At the time of the baseline study, the IOP was 30mmHg, and peripapillary retinoschisis was discovered at 7 o’clock on the periphery of the optic nerve with swept-source optical coherence tomography. Accompanying retinal nerve fiber layer defect were manifest in the inferotemporal part with red-free fundus photography. Under the impression of open-angle glaucoma, we prescribe latanoprost ophthalmic solution. Eight months later, the IOP was 17mmHg, and the peripapillary retinoschisis had disappeared. DH was observed in the inferotemporal area in the same direction as that of the previous peripapillary retinoschisis. CONCLUSIONS: The case presented here are the first to report on the relationship between peripapillary retinoschisis and DH. Hopefully future studies will reveal the actual connection between peripapillary retinoschisis and DH.