Bilateral retinitis after influenza virus infection in a case report

Am J Ophthalmol Case Rep. 2020 Jan 3:17:100584. doi: 10.1016/j.ajoc.2019.100584. eCollection 2020 Mar.

Abstract

Purpose: To report 2 years' longitudinal retinal changes using spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) images in a case of retinitis after influenza virus infection.

Observations: A 48-year-old female complained of scotoma in the central visual field after influenza virus infection. Her best visual acuity was 20/16, her fundus examination was normal, and fluorescein angiography demonstrated no evident leakage in either the retina or the optic disc. However, SD-OCT images showed a disrupted, blurred inner-segment ellipsoid zone in the macula of both eyes. Two steroid pulse therapy sessions in the first 3 months showed temporary improvement of the central scotoma. However, atrophy of the photoreceptor layer at the juxta fovea gradually progressed in OCT images during the follow-up period. In contrast, the fovea itself was mostly intact and visual acuity was maintained in the 2-year period.

Conclusions and importance: We experienced a unique case of retinitis after influenza infection, in whom progressive atrophy of the photoreceptor layer was observed in SD-OCT images.

Keywords: Central scotoma; Influenza virus; Macular degeneration; Optical coherence tomography; Retinitis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports