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[HIV infection presenting with bilateral optic neuropathy].
C Laurent-Coriat1, C Tilikete, D Bouhour
1Unité de Neuro-Ophtalmologie, Hôpital Neurologique et Université Claude Bernard Lyon I.
Revue Neurologique
|February 1, 2006
Summary
A rare case of bilateral optic neuropathy in a 57-year-old man was linked to primary human immunodeficiency virus infection. Standard treatments were ineffective, suggesting microvascular ischemia as a potential cause.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-ophthalmology
- Infectious Diseases
- Virology
Background:
- Primary human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection can present with diverse neurological manifestations.
- Optic neuropathies are uncommon complications of HIV infection, distinct from those caused by opportunistic infections.
Observation:
- A 57-year-old man developed bilateral, subacute, and painless optic neuropathy.
- This condition emerged following meningopolyradiculitis, indicative of a primary HIV infection.
Findings:
- Neither antiretroviral therapy nor steroid treatment proved effective in resolving the optic neuropathy.
- The clinical presentation and progression suggest a pathophysiological mechanism involving microvascular ischemia of the optic nerve head.
Implications:
- This case highlights a rare presentation of HIV-associated optic neuropathy.
- Understanding the specific mechanisms, such as microvascular ischemia, is crucial for managing HIV-related neurological complications.