[Bilateral influenza-triggered panuveitis and subsequent therapy with amantadine and hyperimmunoglobulins].
BACKGROUND
Influenza A is one type of influenza virus that commonly causes acute respiratory illness. Outbreaks of influenza occur every year. Major antigenic variations preclude permanent immunity in the population. Often signs of conjunctivitis or photophobia are common during acute infection. Posterior uveitis is very rare.


METHODS
A young lady with a diagnosed anterior uveitis was sent for further evaluation to the eye department with a known history of flu.


RESULTS
This patient had a severe ocular manifestation of influenza A infection. There was bilateral panuveitis with keratic precipitates, cells and flare, and an impressive retinopathy in both eyes. Serology was positive for influenza A.


CONCLUSIONS
The course of an influenza A infection is usually uncomplicated. Severe affection of the choriocapillaris results in a complicated post-influenza retinal pigmentary degeneration. Treatment with amantadine and therapy with hyperimmunoglobulins seem to be useful.
Augenabteilung, Bundeswehrkrankenhaus, Ulm. hermann.guembel@extern.uni-ulm.de
H O C
HO
Gümbel
K J
KJ
Lipke
H-G
HG
Schäfer
I
I
Cinatl
L O
LO
Hattenbach
D000328:Adult; D000547:Amantadine / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001284:Atrophy; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D016756:Immunoglobulins, Intravenous / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D009980:Influenza A virus / Q000187:drug effects / Q000472:pathogenicity*; D007251:Influenza, Human / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000821:virology*; D015864:Panuveitis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000821:virology*; D010857:Pigment Epithelium of Eye / Q000473:pathology / Q000821:virology
D000998:Antiviral Agents; D016756:Immunoglobulins, Intravenous; D000547:Amantadine