West Nile chorioretinitis

Abstract

Case report: The clinical course of 2 Canadian cases of West Nile chorioretinitis is described. The patients developed visual-field disturbances shortly after flu-like illnesses and were referred for retinal evaluation. Full ophthalmologic examination included Snellen visual acuity testing, applanation tonometry, slit-lamp examination, dilated fundus examination, fundus photography, and fluorescein angiography. Both patients developed self-limited cases of chorioretinitis exhibiting characteristic fundus and fluorescein angiographic findings.

Comments: Since the introduction of West Nile virus to Canada and its progressive spread across the country, more patients will present to their eye specialists with chorioretinitis. In cases of chorioretinal inflammation, West Nile virus infection should be included in the differential diagnosis.