Lipemia Retinalis in a Patient with Familial Hypertriglyceridemia

INTRODUCTION

Lipemia retinalis is a rare ocular finding associated with hypertriglyceridemia first described by Heyl in 1880.^[1] Retinal changes, characterized by variation in retinal vasculature ranging from salmon pink to creamy white, are commonly found. Early discoloration of the retinal vessels typically begins in the retinal periphery.^[2] Familial hypertriglyceridemia (FHTG) is an autosomal dominant disease consisting of elevated triglycerides with normal or mildly increased total cholesterol levels.^[3] In severe hypertriglyceridemia, hypertension is associated in 31.3% of cases.^[4]

Here, we describe a patient with lipemia retinalis presenting with intermittent vision loss. While patients with lipemia retinalis do not typically present with decreased visual acuity, our case of lipemia retinalis is complicated by hypertensive retinopathy and a positive family history in context consistent with FHTG.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 45-year-old female presented with complaints of intermittent vision loss and blurred vision OS>OD for 3 months. Previous medical history was significant for systemic hypertension, thyroid disease, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic syndrome stress disorder, endometriosis, hyperlipidemia, and hypertriglyceridemia. The patient had been taking a statin, fibrate, and fish oil supplement for control of her hyperlipidemia and a beta-blocker for her hypertension for the past 5 years. There was a positive family history of elevated serum lipids in her brother and father suggestive of FHTG but genetic testing had not been performed.

Anterior segment examination was unremarkable OU. Posterior segment examination and color fundus photography revealed diffuse retinal whitening with multiple visible emboli in the first- and second-order arteries, especially prominent in the peripapillary area. Signs of arterial venous nicking were observed as well [Figure 1]. Widefield intravenous fluorescein angiography demonstrated arterial filling delay and a pattern of hypofluorescence consistent with capillary non-perfusion OU [Figure 2].

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Figure 1:

A 45-year-old woman with familial hypertriglyceridemia. (a) Widefield color fundus of the right eye illustrates diffuse retinal whitening with multiple visible emboli in the first- and second-order arteries. (b) Widefield color fundus of the left eye demonstrates similar peripheral retinal whitening with multiple visible emboli as well as arterial venous nicking.

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Figure 2:

A 45-year-old woman with familial hypertriglyceridemia. (a) Widefield intravenous fluorescein angiography of the right eye demonstrates arterial filling delay and pattern of hypofluorescence consistent with capillary non-perfusion. (b) Widefield intravenous fluorescein angiography of the left eye displays similar arterial filling delay and hypofluorescence pattern.

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Given the patient’s history and vascular risk factors, serum lipids were ordered which returned a triglyceride level of 1504 mg/dL. The patient was referred to her primary care provider for ongoing vascular risk factor management. Moreover, given the positive family history suggestive of FHTG, the patient was counseled on the role of genetic testing.

DISCUSSION

Ocular signs of hypertriglyceridemia (xanthomas, xanthelasma, and corneal arcus) may begin to present as early as serum levels reach over 1000 mg/dL.^[5] Lipemia retinalis is often not observed until triglyceride levels reach >1500 mg/dL.^[2] The level of serum triglyceride is often correlated with the severity of lipemia retinalis and at levels of 5000 mg/dL, the fundus may begin to appear salmon colored with creamy arteries and veins that can be distinguished by caliber only.^[2]

Typically, lipemia retinalis is not a sight-threatening condition; in these patients, appropriate referrals to endocrinology and cardiology are critical for controlling vascular risk factors and close follow-up of hyperlipidemia is indicated.^[6] While there have been no reports of lipemia retinalis directly affecting visual acuity, Lu et al. described changes on electroretinography, namely, decreased a and b waves in both cone and rod responses.^[7] Changes to the electroretinography and retinal vasculature were reversed with proper dietary control.^[8] In addition, Nagra et al. reported a case of lipemia associated with a branch vein occlusion.^[9]

According to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, the prevalence of hypertension and hypercholesteremia (>240 mg/dL) in the presence of severe hTG (500–2000 mg/dL) is 31.3% and 66.7%, respectively.^[4] While the vascular effects of elevated hypertriglyceridemia are controversial, high cholesterol is a known risk factor for developing atherosclerosis and hypertension. The chronic effects of hypertension on the retina caused by atherosclerosis predispose patients to visual loss from retinal ischemia.^[10]

CONCLUSION

Our case presents a unique presentation of lipemia retinalis with intermittent visual loss likely due to hypertensive retinopathy. While in this case, the patient had presented with symptomatic retinal ischemia, the presence of lipemia retinalis and its high prevalence of comorbidities such as hypertension may hold clinical relevance in such patients. While more epidemiological studies are needed, patients with hypertriglyceridemia and associated hypercholesterolemia may warrant closer monitoring and prevention of hypertension and hypertensive complications. A thorough history aids stratification of patient’s risk for other conditions such as retinal vein or artery occlusions and hypertensive retinopathy and is prudent in these cases.