A Case of Glaucoma in Hereditary Spherocytosis

J Glaucoma. 2018 Dec;27(12):e187-e190. doi: 10.1097/IJG.0000000000001075.

Abstract

Purpose: To report a case of glaucoma and the inherited red cell membranopathy hereditary spherocytosis diagnosed simultaneously in 2 individuals in a family.

Patient: A 66-year-old man with normal pressure glaucoma and hereditary spherocytosis.

Results: This patient presented with a branch retinal vein occlusion, and normal tension glaucoma that was incidentally detected. Further history revealed that the patient's maternal grandmother also had hereditary spherocytosis and glaucoma.

Conclusions: We hypothesize that glaucoma and hereditary spherocytosis may be associated. Hereditary spherocytosis may be a potential risk factor for glaucoma by causing impaired blood supply to the optic nerve.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Ankyrins / deficiency*
  • Humans
  • Incidental Findings
  • Intraocular Pressure / physiology
  • Low Tension Glaucoma / diagnosis
  • Low Tension Glaucoma / etiology*
  • Male
  • Nerve Fibers / pathology
  • Retinal Ganglion Cells / pathology
  • Retinal Vein Occlusion / diagnosis
  • Retinal Vein Occlusion / etiology
  • Spherocytosis, Hereditary / complications*
  • Spherocytosis, Hereditary / diagnosis
  • Tomography, Optical Coherence
  • Visual Acuity / physiology

Substances

  • Ankyrins

Supplementary concepts

  • Spherocytosis, Type 1