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This abstract is assigned to session SBO-BOG Posters session >> in Poster area - Foyer +1

Title

Obesity surgery and vitamin A deficiency: two cases.

Purpose	We present two patients with xerophtalmia, decreased vision and nyctalopia suffering from vitamin A deficiency. Before referral, their history of obesity surgery was considered irrelevant to ophthalmic complaints. However this type of surgery can be the cause of malabsorption of fat-soluble vitamin A, D, E and K. Vitamin A is the main constituent of rhodopsin which is present in the rods and cones of the retina, and of the epithelial cell RNA and glycoprotein synthesis at the cornea.
Methods	A 46-year old man and a 36-year old woman presented with complaints of dry eyes and decrease in vision. Further anamnesis revealed nyctalopia. Medical history included Scopinaro surgery. Slit lamp examination showed corneal and conjunctival xerosis, with Bitot spots in one patient. Funduscopy showed a cotton wool in one patient and was normal in the other. VEP and visual fields were normal. Both scotopic and fotopic ERG indicated decreased retinal function. Laboratory investigation confirmed the suspected deficiency in vitamin A.
Results	Treatment with vitamin A enriched ointment and monthly intravenous vitamin A suppletion improved patient complaints.
Conclusion	Vitamin A deficiency is a rare diagnosis in developed countries. However, long term ophtalmic consequences of obesity surgery shouldn't be overlooked in differential diagnosis of xerophtalmia, decreased vision and nyctalopia.

Author 1

Last name	BARTHOLOMEEUSEN
Initials	E
Department	University Hospital Antwerp
City	Edegem

Author 2

Last name	Leysen
Initials	I
Department	University Hospital Antwerp
City	Edegem

Author 3

Last name	Colebunders
Initials	B
Department	University Hospital Antwerp
City	Edegem

Author 4

Last name	Van Looveren
Initials	J
Department	University Hospital Antwerp
City	Edegem

Author 5

Last name	Tassignon
Initials	MJ
Department	University Hospital Antwerp
City	Edegem