Bilateral Optic Neuritis in a Patient with Enteric Fever: A Case Report

Nepal J Ophthalmol. 2023 Jul;15(30):80-83. doi: 10.3126/nepjoph.v15i2.55281.

Abstract

Background: Bilateral optic neuritis following enteric fever is a rare condition requiring early evaluation by an ophthalmologist and prompt treatment for visual rehabilitation.

Case: A 31-year-old female diagnosed with enteric fever presented to the Neuro-ophthalmology department with sudden painful loss of vision in both eyes for 10 days.

Observations: Her Best Corrected Visual Acuity (BCVA) was counting fingers close to face in left eye and 6/18 in right eye. Posterior segment examination showed blurring of disc margin on both eyes. On Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of brain and orbit there was mild thickening of retro-orbital portions of both optic nerves. She was started on steroid therapy which resulted in marked improvement of vision in both eyes.

Conclusion: Optic neuritis following enteric fever is a rare entity and requires early diagnosis with prompt treatment for improvement of visual acuity and prevention of visual impairment.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Eye Infections, Bacterial / complications
  • Eye Infections, Bacterial / diagnosis
  • Eye Infections, Bacterial / drug therapy
  • Female
  • Glucocorticoids* / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging*
  • Optic Nerve / diagnostic imaging
  • Optic Nerve / pathology
  • Optic Neuritis* / diagnosis
  • Optic Neuritis* / drug therapy
  • Optic Neuritis* / etiology
  • Typhoid Fever* / complications
  • Typhoid Fever* / diagnosis
  • Typhoid Fever* / drug therapy
  • Visual Acuity*

Substances

  • Glucocorticoids