DOI: 10.36347/sjmcr.2016.v04i08.019

Pages: 626-628

The objective of this study is to report a case of unilateral optic neuritis associated with dengue fever. A 17-year-old Malay gentleman presented with sudden loss of vision in the right eye for the past 4 days. He had been experiencing high grade fever with chills for 4 days and had been clinically diagnosed with dengue fever. Ophthalmological examination revealed best corrected visual acuity of 3/60 in right eye and 6/6 in left eye. Pupillary examination revealed relative afferent pupillary defect (RAPD) on the right side. Rest of the anterior segment examination was unremarkable. Fundus examination of the right eye showed a hyperemic and swollen optic disc inferotemporally with macular striae. Blood investigations established the diagnosis of dengue fever (a positive dengue NS1 antigen) and a full blood count with a total white count of 3.7 and platelet of 94. A diagnosis of optic neuritis secondary to dengue fever was established. He was started on Bactrim II/II BD to cover for infectious causes of neuroretinitis. After a 2-month follow up, the clinical picture resolved, with improved visual acuity of 6/9 in right eye. Optic neuritis can occur in association with dengue fever with good spontaneous visual outcome.