Dengue maculopathy: a case report

Dengue fever is endemic in many countries of South East Asia. In spite of the occasional epidemics, dengue maculopathy remains a rare entity.

A 31-year-old gentleman was admitted with a 6-day history of fever, generalised rash, headache and myalgia after a trip to Malaysia. There were no bleeding manifestations. The lowest platelet count was 71 x 10,000/ml, the haematocrit was 42.7%, and dengue serology was positive. On the 8th day of illness, he complained of bilateral blurred vision. Detailed visual examination showed visual acuity of right eye 6/30 and left eye 6/50. Fundoscopy revealed dilated veins, hyperaemic optic discs, flame and blot haemorrhages, soft exudates and macular ischaemia. After a course of high-dose steroids, the visual acuity as well as colour vision improved markedly.

The pathology of maculopathy is not obvious in this case, but an immunological reaction is suspected. There is a risk of residual visual impairment, and there is no definitive treatment. The use of high-dose steroids seemed to improve visual acuity and colour vision. However, it is not known whether immunosuppression improves the prognosis. Time for resolution is from 8 weeks to 4 months. Since there is an increase in the incidence of dengue fever in our region, coupled with rising international travel, one could postulate that global incidence of dengue-related maculopathy may become significant.

Ocular complications associated with dengue fever are rare but may result in permanent visual impairment. Dengue fever should be suspected in travellers, particularly those returning from endemic areas, and they should be systematically screened for maculopathy when visual disturbances arise.