Bilateral simultaneous angle-closure glaucoma associated with septic condition of Korean hemorrhagic fever (KHF)

To report a case of bilateral simultaneous angle-closure glaucoma caused by septic condition of Korean hemorrhagic fever.

A 62-year-old man visited our emergency center with signs of sepsis (fever, leukocytosis, and oliguria). After 4 days of hospitalization, the patient reported blurred vision. Upon ophthalmologic examination, elevated intraocular pressure, edematous cornea, closed anterior chamber angle, and shallow anterior chamber without iris bowing were found in both eyes in slit-lamp examination and in Pentacam (Oculus, Wetzlar, Germany) Scheimpflug images. Bilateral choroidal effusion was observed on an ultrasound B scan as well. The serologic test for anti-hantaan virus immunoglobulin G (IgG) was positive.

Along with the sepsis treatment, intravenous hyperosmotic agent, antiglaucoma eye drops, and 1% atropine eye drop were administered immediately. To control the choroidal effusion, systemic steroid was also administered. After 4 months, anterior chamber depth and choroidal effusion were normalized.

Systemic causes should be considered in patients with bilateral angle-closure glaucoma, and Korean hemorrhagic fever can be one of the causes in endemic areas.