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Published on: April 14, 2014
Isolated Cytomegalovirus Optic Neuritis in an Immunocompetent Patient
Vasileios Petrakis1, Christina Aggelopoulou2, Georgios Tartanis2
1Department of Infectious Diseases, 2nd University Department of Internal Medicine, University General Hospital Alexandroupolis, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece.
European Journal of Case Reports in Internal Medicine
|July 17, 2026
Summary
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) can cause optic neuritis in healthy individuals. Prompt diagnosis with PCR testing and treatment with antivirals and corticosteroids are key for vision recovery.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Infectious Diseases
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections are typically mild in immunocompetent individuals.
- Severe CMV disease, especially CNS or ocular, is linked to immunosuppression.
- Isolated optic neuritis from CMV in healthy hosts is rare and can cause vision loss.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a rare case of CMV-induced optic neuritis in an immunocompetent patient.
- To emphasize the importance of prompt diagnosis and effective treatment strategies.
Main Methods:
- Case report of a previously healthy 25-year-old male with optic neuritis.
- Diagnostic workup included neurological, immunological, infectious disease tests, CMV serology, and PCR in blood and CSF.
- Treatment involved high-dose intravenous corticosteroids and systemic valganciclovir.
Main Results:
- The patient presented with bilateral optic disc edema and retrobulbar pain.
- Extensive workup ruled out autoimmune and demyelinating conditions.
- CMV serology and PCR confirmed active CMV infection with CNS involvement.
- Treatment led to complete clinical and anatomical recovery without relapse.
Conclusions:
- CMV should be considered in the differential diagnosis of optic neuritis in immunocompetent patients.
- PCR testing of blood and CSF is crucial for diagnosing systemic and CNS CMV involvement.
- A combination of corticosteroids and antiviral therapy is effective for CMV-induced optic neuritis.
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