Optic disk vasculitis associated with chronic active Epstein-Barr virus infection

Purpose: To report two cases of optic disk vasculitis associated with chronic active Epstein-Barr virus infection (CAEBV). Method: We examined the eyes of two patients with CAEBV. Results: In the first case, a 6-year-old boy, visual acuity was 20/20 in both eyes. Papillary and peripapillary exudates were observed in the right eye. Fluorescein angiography showed hyperfluorescence of the optic disk and a leakage from the peripapillary retinal vessels in the right eye. Two months later, the exudates increased and preretinal hemorrhages appeared in the right eye. Visual acuity decreased to 20/60. He was treated with systemic administration of corticosteroid, globulin and acyclovir. Visual acuity returned to 20/20, but peripapillary exudates remained in the right eye. In the second case, a 16-year-old girl, visual acuity was 20/20 in both eyes. The right eye showed optic disk swelling and dilated retinal veins. Fluorescein angiography showed hyperfluorescence of the optic disk but no leakage from the retinal vessels. Visual field examination revealed an enlarged blind spot in the right eye in both cases. These ocular manifestations are compatible with those of optic disk vasculitis, which shows swelling of the optic disk and dye leakage on and around the optic disk in fluorescein angiography, with an almost normal visual acuity and an enlargement of the blind spot. Conclusion: Persistent Epstein-Barr virus infection may cause optic disk vasculitis.