Carbon Monoxide-Related Vision Loss in an Acute Burn Patient

What Researchers Did

Doctors reported the case of a 32-year-old man who developed cortical blindness after carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning from smoke inhalation in an apartment fire, and was treated with HBOT.

What They Found

MRI confirmed cerebral hypoperfusion (reduced blood flow to the brain) as the cause of his blindness. After HBOT treatment, the patient experienced partial recovery of his vision. The case highlights a rare but serious neurological complication of CO poisoning that HBOT may help address.

Canadian Relevance

Carbon monoxide poisoning is an OHIP-covered HBOT indication in Ontario. Canadian patients who survive CO poisoning should be evaluated for HBOT, including those presenting with neurological symptoms like vision loss.

Study Limitations

This is a single case report, so the rate of vision recovery with HBOT for CO-related blindness cannot be estimated.