Optic neuritis following Varicella zoster vaccination: report of two cases

Vaccine. 2014 Sep 3;32(39):4881-4. doi: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2014.07.023. Epub 2014 Jul 18.

Abstract

Two women presented at our clinic with vision blurring following Varicella zoster virus (VZV) vaccination, 3 weeks and 1 week ago. Ophthalmologic examination and magnetic resonance imaging revealed bilateral and unilateral optic neuritis, respectively. One patient had a history of optic neuritis in the fellow eye 33 years ago without recurrence since then. Both patients completely recovered after treatment with high dose intravenous methylprednisolone followed by a tapered dose of oral prednisolone. This is the first report of optic neuritis occurring in relation to VZV vaccination.

Keywords: Optic neuritis; Varicella zoster virus vaccination.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Chickenpox Vaccine / adverse effects*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Methylprednisolone / therapeutic use
  • Middle Aged
  • Optic Neuritis / chemically induced*
  • Optic Neuritis / drug therapy
  • Prednisolone / therapeutic use
  • Vaccination / adverse effects*

Substances

  • Chickenpox Vaccine
  • Prednisolone
  • Methylprednisolone