Optic neuritis following SARS-CoV-2 infection

J Neurovirol. 2021 Apr;27(2):359-363. doi: 10.1007/s13365-021-00959-z. Epub 2021 Mar 23.

Abstract

The most common neurologic symptoms in COVID-19 are headache, anosmia, and dysgeusia. Optic neuritis is an unusual manifestation of SARS-CoV-2 infection. We report a case of a patient who initially consulted for vision loss in the absence of respiratory symptoms. She was diagnosed with optic neuritis following SARS-CoV-2 infection. Delay in diagnosis of neuro-ophthalmic manifestations of COVID-19 may lead to irreversible optic atrophy. A mechanism in which viral antigens would induce an immune response against self-proteins, or direct SARS Cov-2 infection of the central nervous system, may be involved in optic nerve injury.

Keywords: COVID-19; Demyelinating disease; Optic neuritis; SARS-CoV-2.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • COVID-19 / complications*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Optic Neuritis / virology*
  • SARS-CoV-2