Optic neuritis after dengue viral infection in the Caribbean

Abstract

ObjectivesTo present a rare neurological complication of dengue fever. Patients and methodsWe reported the case of a 17-year-old female who presented with optic neuritis approximately two weeks after dengue fever infection. ResultsThe ophthalmologic assessment indicated reduced visual acuity of the left eye (1/10). The electrophysiological examination revealed prolonged latencies (130 msec) of the P100 component and reduced amplitudes of visually evoked potentials (VEP) on the left eye. We concluded to a retrobulbar optic neuritis. Laboratory findings revealed positive IgM dengue serology. Treatment with intravenous pulse methylprednisolone and physiotherapy resulted in good clinical outcome. ConclusionDengue virus has not often been reported as a cause of optic neuritis. Clinicians must be aware of this to suggest adequate treatment to patients living in or coming from endemic areas.