A case of dengue fever and sudden bilateral vision loss in Guatemala
Tuesday, April 9, 2024
2:10pm – 2:17pm
Location: 412
Authors: Marlon Martínez, Instituto Guatemalteco de Seguridad Social
Dengue fever is prevalent in Guatemala, with a spectrum ranging from mild symptoms to severe. Ophthalmic symptoms often involve vascular and neuro-ophthalmic disorders. Anterior segment vascular issues include subconjunctival hemorrhage, keratitis, corneal erosion, acute angle closure, anterior uveitis, and intermediate uveitis. Posterior chamber findings encompass vitreous hemorrhage, intraretinal and subretinal hemorrhage, posterior uveitis, foveolitis, maculopathy, retinal vascular occlusions, and serous retinal detachment.
Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) has become an invaluable, non-invasive tool for swiftly evaluating ocular complaints in the emergency department (ED), aiding in the diagnosis of conditions such as retinal detachment, vitreous hemorrhage, subretinal hemorrhage, and lens dislocation, and facilitating timely referrals.
This abstract discusses a case of a 33-year-old female presenting with sudden bilateral vision loss and subconjunctival hemorrhage alongside dengue-related symptoms. Ocular POCUS, using the Butterfly iQ+, revealed bilateral posterior chamber echogenic material suggestive of hemorrhage and a retinal detachment in the left eye. Laboratory results indicated dengue-related abnormalities. Ophthalmology consultation was pursued. Ocular POCUS proves to be an efficient and effective tool for early identification of ocular complications in dengue patients, particularly in resource-limited areas where ophthalmology consultations might be delayed or unavailable. It also aids in monitoring ocular changes during disease progression and supports ophthalmology consultations.