Isolated bilateral optic neuritis in acute disseminated encephalomyelitis

Abstract

Purpose: We present a 4-year-old girl with isolated visual loss related to a bilateral oedematous optic neuropathy of unknown origin, occurring after an episode of viral illness. Methods: A cerebral MRI was performed, showing bilateral enhancement of the optic nerves and bilateral, diffuse, cerebral white matter lesions. Results: The MRI scan suggested acute disseminated encephalomyelitis. Treatment with intravenous steroids and immunoglobulins resulted in favourable visual recovery. Conclusions: Bilateral isolated optic neuritis in childhood may be the only presenting symptom in acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, which requires appropriate evaluation and therapeutic management. © 2006 The Authors Journal compilation © 2006 Acta Ophthalmol Scand.