American Journal of Ophthalmology Case Reports (Mar 2020)

Bilateral retinitis after influenza virus infection in a case report

  • Shin-ichiro Ito,
  • Seiji Takagi,
  • Masayo Takahashi,
  • Sunao Sugita,
  • Yasuhiko Hirami,
  • Masashi Fujihara,
  • Towa Uzu,
  • Atsushi Azumi,
  • Yasuo Kurimoto

Journal volume & issue
Vol. 17

Abstract

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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