Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 5, 2026
A Murine Model of Ischemic Retinal Injury Induced by Transient Bilateral Common Carotid Artery Occlusion
Published on: November 12, 2020
Bilateral Retinal Ischemia in a Child with Influenza A: A Case Report
Andreas G Nilsson1,2, Elin Gunnlaugsdottir2, Hanna Maria Öhnell2,3
1Department of Clinical Sciences Malmö, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden.
Introduction:
Influenza A can cause extrapulmonary complications, including ocular manifestations. We present a rare case of extensive bilateral retinal ischemia in a pediatric patient following influenza A infection, involving acute macular neuroretinopathy (AMN), paracentral acute middle maculopathy (PAMM), and cotton-wool spots.
Case Presentation:
A 10-year-old boy presented with bilateral blurry vision 4 days after confirmed influenza A infection. Ophthalmologic evaluation revealed best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of 20/150 OD and 20/125 OS, with optical coherence tomography (OCT) demonstrating hyperreflective bands in the inner nuclear layer, outer plexiform layer, and outer nuclear layer, consistent with simultaneous AMN and PAMM. Cotton-wool spots were also present. The patient was treated with intravenous methylprednisolone, followed by oral prednisolone. BCVA improved to 20/20 in both eyes at 10 months, with complete resolution of OCT findings.
Conclusion:
This case highlights the importance of early ophthalmologic assessment in children with visual symptoms following viral infections and suggests a potential role for corticosteroid treatment in severe post-viral retinal ischemia. Further studies are needed to clarify the efficacy of corticosteroids in such cases.
