Proliferative vitreoretinopathy in a child with visceral leishmaniasis

We present a rare case of ocular leishmaniasis complicated by proliferative vitreoretinopathy in a child with active visceral leishmaniasis.

A 10-year-old boy with active visceral leishmaniasis presented with a 5- day history of redness, photophobia, and blurred vision in his left eye. Visual acuity was measured and the child had a complete ocular examination.

Snellen best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 10/10 in the right eye and 7/10 in the left eye at presentation. Ophthalmic examination of the right eye was normal but the left eye showed clinical signs of panuveitis. Laboratory investigations were negative. Treatment with systemic and local steroids was initiated and clinical improvement achieved. Eight months later, the patient had a relapse of systemic and ocular disease with severe panuveitis in both eyes. A combined tractional-rhegmatogenous retinal detachment was present in the left eye. Pars plana vitrectomy was undertaken in the left eye and the patient was started on systemic and local steroid treatment. Retinal reattachment was achieved postoperatively but visual acuity in the left eye remained poor.

Early diagnosis, prompt systemic and ocular treatment, as well as close ophthalmic examination are essential in such cases.