Simultaneous involvement of optic and abducens nerves by Lyme disease: Case report with review of the literature

Abstract

Ocular manifestations of Lyme disease (LD) remain a rare feature of the disease, but it may present a wide range of clinical presentations with different combinations. LD related optic neuritis or cranial nerve (CN) six palsy have been reported in the literature. However, this is the first case report of simultaneous involvement of CN 2 and CN 6 in a patient with LD. The diagnosis of LD can be challenging and initial laboratory tests can be a false negative. It is paramount important to repeat the diagnostic test if clinical suspicious is ongoing. With this case, we aim to increase awareness of clinicians for possible ocular manifestations of LD and its complex diagnostic process.

Keywords

• Lyme disease
• optic nerve
• abducens nerve