Retinitis & optic neuropathy as a complication of Brucellosis: A case report

We describe the clinical and diagnostic features of a patient with ischemic retinitis and optic neuropathy secondary to brucellosis.

A 47 year old Caucasian man presented with acute loss of vision secondary to retinitis affecting the macula and optic neuropathy after recent exposure to wild hogs. Workup revealed positive serology for brucella antibodies. Macular optical coherence tomography and fluorescein angiography revealed obliterative retinitis in the macula. The patient developed no light perception vision soon after presentation despite treatment with rifampin and doxycycline.

This case highlights a rare, retinal complication of acute brucella infection as well as the importance of clinical suspicion for the disease in those with known risk factors.