[Bilateral recurrent autoimmune optical neuropathy in childhood].
METHODS
A ten year-old girl, after a Yersinia gastroenteritis, developed an optic neuritis in the left eye. She was not treated and resulted ultimately in optic atrophy on the affected side. Six months later a similar episode occurred in the contralateral eye. On this occasion corticosteroid therapy was given. During this therapy the neuritis diminished; however the patient had three relapses, so it was decided to give her immunosuppressive treatment with azathioprine and continue this indefinitely.


CONCLUSIONS
After considering the differential diagnoses of bilateral recurrent optical neuritis in childhood, we concluded that it was most likely to have an autoimmune basis. After considering the benefits and risks of the long-term treatment, we believe immunosuppressive therapy is most useful in controlling the disease allowing corticosteroid therapy to be reduced.
García-Gómez
P J
PJ
Departamento de Oftalmología, Clínica Universitaria de Navarra, Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona (Navarra), España. piojesusgg@yahoo.es
Belzunce
A
A
Salinas Alamán
A
A
Heras
H
H
Sádaba
L M
LM
D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy; D001379:Azathioprine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009902:Optic Neuritis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology*; D012008:Recurrence
D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D001379:Azathioprine