Bilateral retinitis after influenza virus infection in a case report

PURPOSE: To report 2 years’ longitudinal retinal changes using spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) images in a case of retinitis after influenza virus infection. OBSERVATIONS: A 48-year-old female complained of scotoma in the central visual field after influenza virus infection. Her best visual acuity was 20/16, her fundus examination was normal, and fluorescein angiography demonstrated no evident leakage in either the retina or the optic disc. However, SD-OCT images showed a disrupted, blurred inner-segment ellipsoid zone in the macula of both eyes. Two steroid pulse therapy sessions in the first 3 months showed temporary improvement of the central scotoma. However, atrophy of the photoreceptor layer at the juxta fovea gradually progressed in OCT images during the follow-up period. In contrast, the fovea itself was mostly intact and visual acuity was maintained in the 2-year period. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPORTANCE: We experienced a unique case of retinitis after influenza infection, in whom progressive atrophy of the photoreceptor layer was observed in SD-OCT images.