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Published on: March 30, 2018
Bilateral Multifocal Chorioretinitis and Optic Neuritis due to Epstein-Barr Virus: A Case Report
Vasileios G Peponis1, Irini P Chatziralli, Efstratios A Parikakis
1Second Eye Clinic, Specialized Eye Hospital 'Ophthalmiatreion Athinon', Athens, Greece.
Abstract:
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a DNA virus that mainly causes infectious mononucleosis. Ocular manifestations are rare and typically mild. Only a few cases of EBV involving the retina or the optic nerve have been reported. Herein, we report the case of a 67-year-old man with bilateral chorioretinitis and optic neuritis due to EBV. The patient had no previous ocular history and presented with decreased vision in both eyes. His past medical history included EBV encephalopathy, which was confirmed serologically, a few months before. Ophthalmological examination revealed bilateral chorioretinitis and optic neuritis, confirmed by fluorescein angiography as well as electrophysiological tests (visual evoked potentials and electroretinogram). It is very important to include EBV in the differential diagnosis of chorioretinal atrophic lesions. Clinicians should be aware of ocular manifestations of EBV, in order to suggest ophthalmological examination and start treatment promptly before irreversible damage to the optic nerve or retina occurs.
Insights
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) can cause rare but severe eye conditions like bilateral chorioretinitis and optic neuritis. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent irreversible vision loss.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Virology
- Neuro-ophthalmology
Background:
- Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) commonly causes infectious mononucleosis.
- Ocular manifestations of EBV are infrequent and generally mild.
- Limited reports exist on EBV affecting the retina or optic nerve.
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