Functional Visual Loss in a Young Patient With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Abstract

We describe a rare case of a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) with functional visual loss (FVL). A 30-year-old female had blindness in the left eye due to multiple episodes of optic neuritis with underlying SLE. She presented with blurred vision in the right eye after an upper respiratory tract infection. The visual acuity in the right eye was 6/24, while the left eye had no light perception. The right eye optic nerve function tests were within normal limits. There was a positive relative afferent pupillary defect in the left eye. Fundoscopy showed left optic atrophy, while the right fundus was normal. The patient was treated according to a diagnosis of right retrobulbar optic neuritis. However, despite a course of intravenous methylprednisolone, her right visual acuity deteriorated to light perception. A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan of the brain and orbit was normal. The visual evoked potential (VEP) in the right eye was also normal. The patient was suspected of having FVL and was referred to a psychiatrist. She was diagnosed with major depressive disorder after a full psychiatric assessment.