HIV infection presenting with bilateral optic neuropathy
Laurent-Coriat, C.; Tilikete, C.; Bouhour, D.; Fleury, J.; Bernard, M.; Vighetto, A.
Revue Neurologique (Paris) 162(1): 95-97
2006
ISSN/ISBN: 0035-3787 PMID: 16446629 Document Number: 599567
We report the case of a 57-year-old man who presented bilateral subacute and painless optic neuropathy after meningopolyradiculitis revealing a primary human immunodeficiency virus infection. Both antiretroviral and steroid treatments were ineffective. Clinical symptoms and evolutive pattern were consistent with a mechanism of microvascular ischaemia of the optic nerve head. Optic neuropathies related to HIV infection are rare compared to those resulting from opportunistic infections. There are several pathophysiological mechanisms involved.