Optic neuritis and mydriasis after vaccination: a case report

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Neurology
• Immunology

Background:

• Optic neuritis (ON) is an inflammatory demyelinating condition affecting the optic nerve.
• ON is more prevalent in younger adults and women, with diverse underlying causes.
• Association of ON with mydriasis and vaccine triggers, such as tetanus and diphtheria, is rare.

Observation:

• A 36-year-old woman developed bilateral ON 18 days post-dT vaccination.
• Symptoms included headache, blurred vision, decreased visual acuity, and persistent bilateral mydriasis.
• Corticosteroid treatment resolved ON but mydriasis lingered for months.

Findings:

• This report details an unusual case of bilateral ON linked to prolonged mydriasis after dT vaccination.
• The patient experienced a rare combination of ON and persistent mydriasis post-vaccination.
• Oral corticosteroids effectively treated the optic neuritis, but mydriasis showed delayed resolution.

Implications:

• This case expands the understanding of potential adverse reactions to vaccines, specifically the dT vaccine.
• It underscores the importance of considering neurological complications like ON and mydriasis post-vaccination.
• Further research may elucidate the mechanisms linking vaccines to ON and mydriasis, informing clinical practice and patient counseling.