Optic neuropathy following COVID-19 vaccine / Neuropatia óptica após a vacina contra a COVID-19

ABSTRACT This case series describes four patients who presented with retinal and optic nerve vascular occlusions after administration of different COVID-19 vaccines. The first patient received the ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine (AZD1222; Oxford/AstraZeneca) and 42 days later developed central retinal artery occlusion. The second patient developed a painless visual impairment in the left eye and was diagnosed with anterior ischemic optic neuropathy 6 days after receiving the Sinovac-CoronaVac vaccine. The third patient presented with the same condition 22 days after receiving the third dose of the COVID-19 Pfizer (Comirnaty®) vaccine. The fourth patient developed bilateral retrobulbar optic neuritis after receiving the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine. The purpose of this case series is to discuss the possibility of a causal association between ischemic eye alterations and COVID-19 virus vaccination. Long-term follow-up and evaluation of similar cases will help elucidate the degree of the association between the vaccine and ischemic ocular events.

RESUMO Esta série de casos descreve quatro casos de pacientes que apresentaram oclusões vasculares de retina e nervo óptico após a administração de tipos diferentes de vacinas contra COVID-19. O primeiro paciente tomou a vacina ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 (AZD1222; Oxford/AstraZeneca) e 42 dias depois desenvolveu oclusão da artéria central da retina. O segundo paciente teve défice visual indolor no olho esquerdo após 6 dias da vacina Sinovac (CoronaVac) e foi diagnosticado com neuropatia óptica isquêmica anterior. O terceiro paciente apresentou o mesmo quadro após 22 dias da terceira dose da vacina COVID-19 Pfizer (Comirnaty®). O quarto paciente desenvolveu neurite óptica retrobulbar bilateral após vacina Oxford/AstraZeneca. O objetivo da nossa série de casos é discutir a possibilidade de correlação entre os quadros oculares isquêmicos e a vacinação contra a COVID-19. Nossos pacientes receberam vacinas contra COVID-19 com tecnologias diferentes e apresentaram quadros isquêmicos oculares relacionados temporalmente à vacinação. O acompanhamento e a avaliação a longo prazo de novos estudos semelhantes elucidarão o grau de associação entre a vacina e esse possível evento adverso.

Arteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy Associated with Giant Cell Arteritis in an Elderly Korean Man

No abstract available.

Analysis of Fundus Photography and Fluorescein Angiography in Nonarteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy and Optic Neuritis

PURPOSE: We evaluated fundus and fluorescein angiography (FAG) findings and characteristics that can help distinguish nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) from optic neuritis (ON). METHODS: Twenty-three NAION patients and 17 ON with disc swelling patients were enrolled in this study. We performed fundus photography and FAG. The disc-swelling pattern, hyperemia grade, presence of splinter hemorrhages, cotton-wool spots, artery/vein ratio and degree of focal telangiectasia were investigated. The FAG findings for each patient were compared with respect to the following features: the pattern of disc leakage in the early phase, arteriovenous (artery/vein) transit time (second), and the presence and pattern of the filling delay. RESULTS: Cotton-wool spots, focal telangiectasia, and venous congestion were more common in the affected eyes of NAION patients. Upon FAG, 76.5% of the patients in the ON group exhibited normal choroidal circulation. However, 56.5% of patients in the NAION group demonstrated abnormal filling defects, such as peripapillary, generalized, or watershed zone filling delays. CONCLUSIONS: Fundus findings, including cotton-wool spots, focal telangiectasia, and venous congestion in the affected eye, may be clues that can be used to diagnose NAION. In addition, choroidal insufficiencies on FAG could be also helpful in differentiating NAION from ON.

Differences between Non-arteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy and Open Angle Glaucoma with Altitudinal Visual Field Defect

PURPOSE: To investigate the differences in retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) change and optic nerve head parameters between non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) and open angle glaucoma (OAG) with altitudinal visual field defect. METHODS: Seventeen NAION patients and 26 OAG patients were enrolled prospectively. The standard visual field indices (mean deviation, pattern standard deviation) were obtained from the Humphrey visual field test and differences between the two groups were analyzed. Cirrus HD-OCT parameters were used, including optic disc head analysis, average RNFL thickness, and RNFL thickness of each quadrant. RESULTS: The mean deviation and pattern standard deviation were not significantly different between the groups. In the affected eye, although the disc area was similar between the two groups (2.00 +/- 0.32 and 1.99 +/- 0.33 mm2, p = 0.586), the rim area of the OAG group was smaller than that of the NAION group (1.26 +/- 0.56 and 0.61 +/- 0.15 mm2, respectively, p < 0.001). RNFL asymmetry was not different between the two groups (p = 0.265), but the inferior RNFL thickness of both the affected and unaffected eyes were less in the OAG group than in the NAION group. In the analysis of optic disc morphology, both affected and unaffected eyes showed significant differences between two groups. CONCLUSIONS: To differentiate NAION from OAG in eyes with altitudinal visual field defects, optic disc head analysis of not only the affected eye, but also the unaffected eye, by using spectral domain optical coherence tomography may be helpful.

Silent Giant Cell Arteritis in an Elderly Korean Woman

Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is a rare disease among Asians. Arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy, which accompanies GCA, has not yet been reported in Koreans. Diagnosis of GCA is difficult if typical symptoms other than visual loss are absent. Here, we report a case of an 83-year-old Korean woman presenting with sudden visual loss in both eyes (oculus uterque, OU). Her visual acuities included perception of light in the right eye (oculus dexter, OD) and perception of hand motion in the left eye (oculus sinister, OS). The results of the Hardy-Rand-Rittler test and Ishihara test showed total dyschromatopsia OU. The Goldmann perimetry test revealed a total field defect OD and paracentral island OS. Fundus examination revealed chalky-white disc swelling OU. Other systemic symptoms and signs were unremarkable. The erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein and platelet count were highly elevated. Temporal artery biopsy revealed multiple lymphocytes and multinucleated giant cells in the arterial media layer. To our knowledge, this is the first report of GCA in a Korean that has been confirmed with temporal artery biopsy. In conclusion, silent GCA can occur in Koreans, and hence, elderly patients presenting with chalky-white disc swelling, and corresponding laboratory findings must be evaluated for GCA.

RE: Diffusion MR Imaging of Postoperative Bilateral Acute Ischemic Optic Neuropathy

No abstract available.

Diffusion MR Imaging of Postoperative Bilateral Acute Ischemic Optic Neuropathy

A 57-year-old woman experienced bilateral acute ischemic optic neuropathy after spine surgery. Routine MR imaging sequence, T2-weighted image, showed subtle high signal intensity on bilateral optic nerves. A contrast-enhanced T1 weighted image showed enhancement along the bilateral optic nerve sheath. Moreover, diffusion-weighted image (DWI) and an apparent diffusion coefficient map showed markedly restricted diffusion on bilateral optic nerves. Although MR findings of T2-weighted and contrast enhanced T1-weighted images may be nonspecific, the DWI finding of cytotoxic edema of bilateral optic nerves will be helpful for the diagnosis of acute ischemic optic neuropathy after spine surgery.

Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy in a Patient with Churg-Strauss Syndrome

We describe a patient with Churg-Strauss syndrome who developed unilateral anterior ischemic optic neuropathy. A 54-year-old man with a history of bronchial asthma, allergic rhinitis, and sinusitis presented with sudden decreased visual acuity in his right eye that had begun 2 weeks previously. The visual acuity of his right eye was 20 / 50. Ophthalmoscopic examination revealed a diffusely swollen right optic disc and splinter hemorrhages at its margin. Goldmann perimetry showed central scotomas in the right eye and fluorescein angiography showed remarkable hyperfluorescence of the right optic nerve head. Marked peripheral eosinphilia, extravascular eosinophils in a bronchial biopsy specimen, and an increased sedimentation rate supported the diagnosis of Churg-Strauss syndrome. Therapy with methylprednisolone corrected the laboratory abnormalities, improved clinical features, and preserved vision, except for the right central visual field defect. Early recognition of this systemic disease by ophthalmologists may help in preventing severe ocular complications.

Neuropatia óptica isquêmica posterior como complicação pós-cirurgia de blefaroplastia / Posterior ischemic optic neuropathy as a complication after blepharoplasty surgery

Descrevemos um caso de perda visual unilateral em paciente de 80 anos após cirurgia de blefaroplastia bilateral superior e inferior com o olho direito apresentando intensa hemorragia pré-orbitária. O exame oftalmológico apresentou quadro clínico de neuropatia óptica isquêmica posterior com hemianopsia superior e ressonância magnética de órbita normal. Comentamos alguns possíveis mecanismos e análise da evolução da camada de fibras nervosas retinianas pela tomografia de coerência óptica.

A case of unilateral visual loss and right eye presenting intense pre-orbital bleeding was described in patient 80 years old, after upper and lower bilateral blepharoplasty surgery. Ophthalmologic examination showed clinical profile of posterior ischemic optic neuropath with superior hemianopsia and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of normal orbit. Comments are made on possible mechanism involved in the process as well as analysis on the evolution of the retinal nerve layer by optical coherence tomography.

Anterior ischemic optic neuropathy precipitated by acute primary angle closure.

A 59-year-old man with a history of longstanding systemic hypotension developed asymmetric non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) apparently precipitated by bilateral sequential acute primary angle closure. NAION is very rarely reported in association with raised intraocular pressure. In contrast to optical coherence tomography, the failure of scanning laser polarimetry to detect axonal swelling was another interesting finding. Possible reasoning for these observations is discussed.

A Case of Decreased Visual Field after Uneventful Cataract Surgery: Nonarteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy

The purpose of this article is to report a case of nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) after uneventful cataract surgery. A 53-year-old Filipina underwent cataract surgery. She had a small optic disc with cup-to-disc ratio of 0.2 in the left eye and 0.3 in the right eye. On the first postoperative day, the uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) was 20/20, with an intraocular pressure (IOP) of 20 mmHg in the left eye. At one week after operation, the UCVA was 20/20 and the IOP was 15 mmHg. Three weeks later, she underwent cataract surgery in the right eye. On the first postoperative day, her UCVA was 20/20 in both eyes, but she complained of a visual field decrease in the left eye. A relative afferent pupillary defect (RAPD) was noted and the optic disc was pallid and swollen diffusely. A red-free photo showed defect surrounding the optic disc. A visual field test showed tunnel vision sparing the central vision. In this report, the authors hypothesize an association between cataract extraction and delayed NAION. Since the risk of NAION in the fellow eye is 30-50%, visual acuity, visual field, fundus exam and RAPD should be routinely checked.

Anterior ischemic optic neuropathy associated with metabolic syndrome

PURPOSE: Metabolic syndrome denotes a common cluster of naturally connected risk factors including obesity, elevated blood pressure, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, proinflammatory state and prothrombotic state. Anterior ischemic optic neuropathy is an acute ischaemic disorder of the optic nerve head and may lead to severe visual loss. METHODS: We considered three patients with moderate degree of diabetic retinopathy and anterior ischemic optic neuropathy. They were submitted to endocrinological examination and the diagnosis of metabolic syndrome was established. RESULTS: Cardiological examination revealed that blood pressure control was not optimal. The signs of left ventricular hypertrophy and diastolic dysfunction were confirmed by echocardiography. They are possible markers of preclinical cardiovascular disease. CONCLUSION: We observed that a variety of well-known risk factors in metabolic syndrome may be involved in serious eye and cardiological complications. The early diagnosis and treatment of these patients can not only improve visual function but also prevent cardiovascular complications.

OBJETIVO: A síndrome metabólica indica um grupo comum dos seguintes achados clinicos: obesidade, hipertensão arterial, variações nos níveis de glicemia, dislipidemia, estado proinflamatório e o estado protrombótico. Neuropatia óptica isquêmica anterior é um distúrbio agudo isquêmico da cabeça do nervo óptico que pode levar à perda de visão. MÉTODOS: Consideramos três pacientes com retinopatia diabética não proliferativa moderada e neuropatia óptica isquêmica anterior. Os pacientes foram examinados por endocrinologistas e o diagnóstico de síndrome metabólica foi confirmado. RESULTADOS: O exame cardiológico revelou que o controle da pressão sangüínea não era adequado e tal anormalidade foi corrigida. A ecocardiografia confirmou os indícios de hipertrofia ventricular esquerda e disfunção diastólica. Estes são os marcadores possiveis da doença cardiovascular pré-clinica. CONCLUSÃO: Concluímos que os fatores de risco bem conhecidos, combinados na síndrome metabólica levaram às complicações oculares e às complicações cardiológicas. O diagnóstico anticipado e o tratamento destes pacientes pode não apenas melhorar a função visual mas também impedir as complicações cardiovasculares.

Nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy after uneventful phacoemulsification: case report

To report a case of nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) after uneventful cataract extraction and intraocular lens implantation. Prospective, observational case report and literature review. We report the case history of a 74-year-old woman who underwent phacoemulsification and developed sudden loss of vision on the 13th postoperative day. After complete ocular and systemic evaluation the diagnosis of NAION was made. NAION can be associated with cataract extraction, and surgeons should be aware of this potentially blinding complication.

Os autores relatam um caso de neuropatia óptica isquêmica anterior (NOIA) não-arterítica após facoemulsificação de rotina e implante de lente intra-ocular. Uma paciente de 74 anos do sexo feminino foi submetida à cirurgia de catarata pela técnica de facoemulsificação e desenvolveu perda súbita e grave de visão no décimo terceiro dia pós-operatório. Após extensa investigação clínica e laboratorial, ocular e sistêmica, foi feito o diagnóstico de NOIA não-arterítica. Feita revisão da literatura, encontrando-se descrição desta complicação em raros casos associada a facectomia e implante de lente intra-ocular.

Neuropatia óptica isquêmica anterior e poliarterite nodosa: relato de caso / Anterior ischemic optic neuropathy and polyarteritis nodosa: case report

Descreve-se uma paciente com diagnóstico de poliarterite nodosa, em tratamento com citostáticos e corticosteróides que desenvolveu neuropatia óptica isquêmica anterior, uma manifestacão considerada bastante rara para esta doenca.

Angiopatia traumática retiniana (retinopatia de Purtscher) / Traumatic retinal angiopathy (Purtscher's retinopathy)

Os autores descrevem um caso de um paciente de 40 anos que apresentou baixa visão no olho direito após trauma compressivo do tórax. Os achados oftalmoscópicos eram característicos de retinopatia de Purstscher, com exsudatos algodonosos e hemorragias no pólo posterior. A angiografia fluoresceínica revelou bloqueio da fluorescência coroidal, staining perivenoso, além de edema retiniano e de disco óptico. O tratamento com esteróide sistêmico não melhorou a visão. Embora este caso seja raro, médicos emergencistas devem conhecê-lo e as causas da baixa visão associada com trauma extra-ocular.

Bilateral anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy in Takayasu arteritis.

This report describes a case of a young male with bilateral, asymmetrical AION. He was subsequently diagnosed with Takayasu's disease.

Estudio clínico de pacientes con neuropatía mielo-óptica / Clinical studies of patients with myeloptic neuropathy

Se detectó, en una región del distrito de Buzi, provincia de Sofala, en Mozambique, la aparición de numerosos casos con trastorno de la marcha, parestesias y alteraciones visuales, lo que motivó la investigación de este fenómeno. Se estudiaron 60 pacientes a quienes se les realizó un detallado interrogatorio y un examen neurológico minucioso dirigidos al diagnóstico clínico de la enfermedad. Se encontró que los síntomas predominantes fueron el cansancio, la pérdida de peso, parestesias, dolor en los miembros inferiores y disminución de la visión. En el 56,6 porciento había manifestaciones que indicaban una forma mixta de neuropatía periférica con toma del nervio óptico. Se obtuvieron evidencias clínicas de lesión de los sistemas nerviosos central y periférico y, en algunos casos, de la rama auditiva del VIII par craneal, con una mayor afectación en el grupo de edad entre 21 y 40 años. Al parecer, la enfermedad estaba relacionada con factores múltiples: entre los más importantes el nutricional y el tóxico

Ischaemic optic neuropathy.

Ischaemic optic neuropathy is of two types: anterior (AION) and posterior (PION), the first involving the optic nerve head (ONH) and the second, the rest of the optic nerve. Pathogenetically AION and PION are very different diseases. AION represents an acute ischaemic disorder of the ONH supplied by the posterior ciliary artery (PCA), while PION has no specific location in the posterior part of the optic nerve and does not represent an ischaemic disorder of any definite artery. The most important step towards a logical understanding of the underlying causes, clinical features, pathogenesis and rational management of AION, is to understand the basic scientific issues involved; these are discussed in some detail. AION clinically is of two types: (1) that due to giant cell arteritis (arteritic AION: A-AION) and (2) non-arteritic AION (NA-AION). NA-AION, the more common of the two, is one of the most prevalent and visually crippling diseases in the middle-aged and elderly, and is potentially bilateral. NA-AION is a multifactorial disease, with many risk factors collectively contributing to its development. Although there is no known treatment for NA-AION, reduction of risk factors is important in decreasing chances of involvement of the second eye and of further episodes. Our studies have suggested that nocturnal arterial hypotension is an important risk factor for the development and progression of NA-AION. The role of nocturnal arterial hypotension in the pathogenesis of NA-AION and management of nocturnal hypotension is discussed. Potent antihypertensive drugs, when used aggressively and/or given at bedtime, are emerging as an important risk factor for nocturnal hypotension, and there is some evidence that NA-AION may be occurring as an iatrogenic disease in some individuals. A-AION, by contrast, is an ocular emergency and requires immediate treatment with systemic corticosteroids to prevent further visual loss. The clinical parameters which help to differentiate the two types of AION, and their respective management are discussed.