[Ocular manifestation in dengue fever].

Dengue-Fever is a mosquito transmitted viral disease. It is endemic mainly in South-East Asia and Africa. The clinical manifestation is divided into different stages. Ocular manifestations in travellers have been rarely reported.

METHODS

We present the cases of two patients, having just returned from a trip to Thailand. During their trip they had fallen ill with symptoms of classic dengue-fever.

RESULTS

On examination visual acuity had decreased in both patients. In one patient we detected a relative central scotoma in perimetry and reduced amplitudes in VEP. In indirect ophthalmoscopy we found intraretinal haemorrhages, foveal lesions in the pigment epithelium, cotton-wool spots and a maculopathy. The fluorescein angiographic findings included extravasation in the macular region and block fluorescence. The diagnosis was confirmed by a rise in Dengue-fever antibody titre and the detection of flavivirus IgM antibodies.

CONCLUSIONS

Dengue-fever and its ocular manifestation in Europeans is a rare condition. Expanding tourism to tropical countries may lead to an increasing number of cases.