A 62 year old man is admitted as an emergency with severe abdominal pain. He smokes 30 cigarettes a day and takes approximately 30 units of alcohol per week but admits to exceeding this amount occasionally. He also complains of sudden onset poor vision. Ophthalmoscopy shows multiple micro infarcts (cotton wool spots).
What investigation should be considered next?
1.E.R.C.P
2.Upper GI endoscopy
3.Colonoscopy
4.CT scan abdomen
5.Caroid dopplers
Summary
Ischaemic retinopathy, which causes retinal oedema and micro infarcts, is a complication of acute pancreatitis. CT scan of the abdomen will be useful in confirming diagnosis and assessing for the presence of a pancreatic abscess/pseudocyst.