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Klin Monbl Augenheilkd 2024; 241(04): 344-346
DOI: 10.1055/a-2188-5364
Der interessante Fall

Playing the Bagpipes – A Risk Factor for Glaucoma Progression?

Dudelsackspielen – ein Risikofaktor für die Glaukomprogression?
Petra Schwarzer
1   Pallas Kliniken, Bern and Olten, Switzerland
,
Heinrich Gerding
1   Pallas Kliniken, Bern and Olten, Switzerland
2   Department of Ophthalmology, Münster University Hospital, Münster, Germany
,
Tatyana Hergeldzhieva
1   Pallas Kliniken, Bern and Olten, Switzerland
,
David Goldblum 
1   Pallas Kliniken, Bern and Olten, Switzerland
3   University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
,
Christoph Tappeiner 
1   Pallas Kliniken, Bern and Olten, Switzerland
4   Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Germany
5   Department of Ophthalmology, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, University Vita-Salute, Milan, Italy
6   Faculty of Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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Background

There are several reports in the literature about fluctuations in intraocular pressure (IOP) while playing wind instruments and the possible risk for glaucoma [1], [2], [3], [4]. The suspected pathomechanism is a rise of intrathoracic venous pressure, which is transmitted through jugular, orbital, and vortex veins to the choroid, especially while playing high-resistance wind instruments [5]. It has been speculated that similar to a Valsalva maneuver, this may lead to vascular engorgement, with an increase in choroidal volume and a subsequent rise in IOP [1]. Additionally, the elevated venous pressure in episcleral veins may increase resistance to aqueous outflow [1], [6], [7]. Here, we report on a patient with glaucoma and evaluated IOP fluctuations during bagpipe play.



Publication History

Received: 30 August 2023

Accepted: 13 September 2023

Article published online:
23 April 2024

© 2024. Thieme. All rights reserved.

Georg Thieme Verlag KG
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