Acute Macular Neuroretinopathy Associated with Acute Influenza Virus Infection

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Virology
• Genetics

Background:

• Acute macular neuroretinopathy (AMN) is a rare condition affecting vision.
• Influenza virus infections are common and can have systemic effects.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between acute macular neuroretinopathy (AMN) and influenza virus infection.
• To describe the clinical characteristics of patients with influenza-associated AMN.

Main Methods:

• Prospective case series of four female patients (18-32 years) with AMN and confirmed influenza.
• Clinical history, HLA typing, ophthalmological examinations, and imaging (OCT angiography) were performed.
• Oseltamivir treatment was administered to one patient.

Main Results:

• Ocular symptoms developed 2-5 days after flu-like symptoms.
• Three patients had influenza B, one had influenza A.
• Choriocapillaris perfusion abnormalities were seen in one patient; Oseltamivir did not appear to alter the outcome in that case.

Conclusions:

• This is the first report linking AMN to virologically confirmed influenza virus infection.
• HLA allele variations do not seem to predispose individuals to influenza-associated AMN.