Optic neuritis due to Aspergillus infection

Abstract

A 67-year-old woman who complained of unilateral progressive visual disturbance and headache was initially diagnosed as having anterior ischemic optic neuropathy because of pale optic disc swelling and a small hemorrhage. Corticosteroid administration restored her visual acuity; however, this was only temporary and she eventually lost her vision and the headaches became severe. She died from a subarachnoid hemorrhage five months after the onset. In spite of having no remarkable problems in general condition or past history, during autopsy Aspergillus infection was unexpectedly found in the intracranial optic nerve and its surrounding tissues. Although optic nerve disturbance due to mycotic infection is rare, the latter should be considered in the etiology of optic nerve disturbances.

Key Words:

• optic neuritis
• intracranial optic nerve
• aspergillosis
• autopsy