Related Experiment Videos
Bilateral optic neuritis in pregnancy
M S Suraiya1, B Norazlina, C Carmen
1Department of Ophthalmology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Yaacob Latif, Bandar Tun Razak, 56000 Cheras, Kuala Lumpur.
The Medical Journal of Malaysia
|June 12, 2004
Summary
This case study examines a pregnant woman with optic neuritis after Varicella Zoster Virus infection. High-dose steroids were initiated, presenting a clinical dilemma but leading to partial visual recovery.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Ophthalmology
- Infectious Diseases
- Rheumatology
Background:
- Optic neuritis, inflammation of the optic nerve, can cause vision loss and neurological deficits.
- Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV) infection is a known trigger for various neurological complications.
- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune condition that can affect the nervous system and eyes.
Observation:
- A 25-year-old pregnant woman (11 weeks gestation) presented with bilateral optic neuritis.
- She had serological evidence of SLE but tested negative for active VZV infection.
- The patient experienced neurological deficits, including impaired adduction.
Findings:
- The exact cause of the severe optic neuritis and neurological deficits remained unclear.
- Treatment involved high-dose steroids initiated three days after starting antiviral therapy.
- At six months post-presentation, visual acuity was 6/36 in the right eye and light perception in the left.
Implications:
- This case highlights the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges of managing optic neuritis in pregnancy, especially with co-existing autoimmune markers.
- The study underscores the need for careful consideration when initiating immunosuppressive therapy in pregnant patients with viral infections.
- It suggests a potential link between VZV infection, SLE, and severe optic neuritis, warranting further investigation into pathogenesis and management strategies.