West Nile virus-associated optic neuritis and chorioretinitis

Am J Ophthalmol. 2003 Dec;136(6):1183-5. doi: 10.1016/s0002-9394(03)00738-4.

Abstract

Purpose: To report the new ocular and neurologic features of West Nile virus (WNV) meningoencephalitis.

Design: Observational case report.

Methods: A 55-year-old woman presented with headache, stiff neck, visual loss, and fever 10 days after a weekend camping trip. Examination revealed vitritis, creamy yellow circular chorioretinal lesions, and peripheral visual field loss.

Results: Laboratory investigation indicated the patient was suffering from WNV meningoencephalitis with neuro-ocular involvement.

Conclusion: Ophthalmologists and infectious disease specialists should recognize that the WNV infection spectrum may include ophthalmic findings, specifically optic neuritis and multifocal chorioretinitis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Chorioretinitis / diagnosis
  • Chorioretinitis / etiology*
  • Eye Infections, Viral / diagnosis
  • Eye Infections, Viral / etiology*
  • Female
  • Fluorescein Angiography
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Optic Disk / pathology
  • Optic Neuritis / diagnosis
  • Optic Neuritis / etiology*
  • Visual Acuity
  • Vitreous Body / pathology
  • West Nile Fever / complications*
  • West Nile Fever / diagnosis
  • West Nile virus / isolation & purification*