Transient Increase in Patient Numbers with “Acute Macular Neuroretinopathy” Post SARS-CoV-2 Infection—Case Series During the First Surge of Infection in December 2022

Abstract

Objective: Acute macular neuroretinopathy (AMN) has been associated with several conditions. The aim of this study is to report a surge of AMN cases diagnosed since the easing of epidemic control for COVID-19 in China, in early December 2022. Case Report: Four cases presented with paracentral or central scotomas, or blurred vision soon after SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus infection. Fundus manifestations were recorded, including typical hyper-reflective segments of the outer plexiform layer (OPL) and outer nuclear layer (ONL), and associated disruption of ellipsoid, interdigitation zones, and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) layers on optical coherence tomography (OCT). Oral prednisone was administered and gradually tapered. Slight scotoma persisted with hyper-reflective segments fading and irregularity of outer retina on OCT during the follow-up. Case 4 was lost to follow-up. Conclusion: With the ongoing pandemic and extensive vaccination programs, it is expected that cases of AMN will surge. It is important for ophthalmologists to be aware of the possibility of COVID-19-induced AMN.