Optic neuritis after anthrax vaccination.
OBJECTIVE
To report the occurrence of optic neuritis after anthrax vaccination in two patients.


METHODS
Observational case reports, review of literature.


METHODS
Description of clinical history, examination, neuroimaging, and further studies in two patients experiencing optic neuritis in temporal association with anthrax vaccination.


METHODS
Visual acuity, visual fields.


RESULTS
Two patients, 39 and 23 years of age, were seen with acute optic neuritis 1 month and 2 weeks, respectively, after anthrax booster vaccination and successfully treated with intravenous methylprednisolone. The first patient had a typical presentation and course of unilateral retrobulbar optic neuritis with excellent visual recovery. The second patient had a bilateral anterior optic neuritis and has required chronic immunosuppression to maintain his vision. Retinal and optic nerve autoantibodies were present in the second patient. No cross-reactive epitopes between anthrax vaccine and retina/optic nerve were identified.


CONCLUSIONS
Optic neuritis is a potential adverse reaction of anthrax vaccination.
Kerrison
John B
JB
Department of Ophthalmology, Wilford Hall Medical Center, 2200 Bergquist Drive, Lackland AFB, Texas 78236, USA.
Lounsbury
David
D
Thirkill
Charles E
CE
Lane
R Gary
RG
Schatz
Martha P
MP
Engler
Renata M
RM
D000208:Acute Disease; D000328:Adult; D022122:Anthrax Vaccines / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001921:Brain / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D009902:Optic Neuritis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D014611:Vaccination / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014792:Visual Acuity; D014794:Visual Fields
D022122:Anthrax Vaccines