Hepatitis C virus presumably associated bilateral consecutive anterior ischemic optic neuropathy.

PURPOSE: To report a case of bilateral nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) in a hepatitis C (HCV) infected patient and demonstrate the relationship between HCV and the development of NAION.

METHODS

Case report.

RESULTS

A 43-year-old woman with chronic HCV infection and long-term euthyroid autoimmune thyroiditis suddenly lost vision in her right eye, and 6 months later in her left eye, due to NAION. Slightly elevated levels of aminotransferases suggested liver infection activity. Anti-HCV antibody was detected; the genotype of the virus was 1b and the viral RNA level was 1.8 x 106 IU/mL. Liver biopsy proved chronic active hepatitis (Ishak score grading: 7, staging: 2). Except for the elevated levels of antithyroid antibodies and a weak antinuclear factor, the detailed laboratory examinations (thrombophilia, cryoglobulin, anticardiolipin antibodies, co-infections) revealed no other abnormalities; a causative relationship between the underlying chronic hepatitis C and bilateral NAION therefore seems probable. The patient was treated with pegylated interferon and ribavirin for 1 year and a sustained viral remission could be achieved. Her vision has neither improved nor deteriorated further.

CONCLUSIONS

This appears to be the first reported case of bilateral NAION presumably caused by HCV infection.