Neuroretinitis following typhoid fever in a 55-year-old female: Case report

ABSTRACT

@#Neuroretinitis (NR) is an inflammation of the optic nerve and the neural retina. NR is diagnosed clinically, and it is characterized by blurring of vision (BOV), optic disc swelling, and macular star exudates. Spontaneous resolution of NR is possible, but corticosteroids help in hastening recovery. Rarely, Salmonella typhi infection may produce an immune-mediated reaction that can cause NR. Immune-mediated retinitis occurs 3 to 6 weeks after the febrile period of a typhoid infection. We present the case of a 55-year-old female with a two-week history of painless, unilateral BOV occurring five weeks after the initial febrile episode of a typhoid infection. A diagnosis of NR was made after fundus examination on the affected eye showed optic disc edema and macular star exudates. An eight-week course of corticosteroid treatment afforded partial resolution of the disc edema and significant reduction in the macular exudates, and improved the patient’s vision after six months.