Panuveitis and Optic Neuritis as a Possible Initial Presentation of the Novel Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

Ocul Immunol Inflamm. 2020 Aug 17;28(6):922-925. doi: 10.1080/09273948.2020.1792512.

Abstract

Objective: To describe the ocular manifestations in a case of novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Material and methods: A case of unilateral panuveitis and optic neuritis as initial presentation of COVID-19.

Results: As it is published, angiotensin-converting-enzyme-2 receptors can be found in many organs, such as the eyes, nerves, and vessels, so extrapulmonary involvement would be expected. According to current evidence and clinical characteristics of the patient, uveitis and optic neuritis could be produced by the virus.

Conclusions: It is fundamental to consider panuveitis and optic neuritis as an unusual presentation of ocular involvement in COVID-19 so proper care can be given to the patients.

Keywords: COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2; optic neuritis; panuveitis; uveitis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Betacoronavirus*
  • COVID-19
  • Coronavirus Infections / complications*
  • Coronavirus Infections / epidemiology
  • Eye Infections, Viral / diagnosis
  • Eye Infections, Viral / etiology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Optic Nerve / pathology
  • Optic Neuritis / diagnosis
  • Optic Neuritis / etiology*
  • Pandemics
  • Panuveitis / diagnosis
  • Panuveitis / etiology*
  • Pneumonia, Viral / complications*
  • Pneumonia, Viral / epidemiology
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • Tomography, Optical Coherence / methods