Bilateral optic neuritis following bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccination

J Clin Neuroophthalmol. 1991 Dec;11(4):246-9.

Abstract

A 12-year-old PPD-negative girl developed bilateral optic neuritis with decreasing visual acuity 5 days after bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccination. Laboratory findings and computerized tomography scan of brain and orbit were negative. Cerebrospinal fluid study revealed 62 leukocytes (92% lymphocytes) per cubic millimeter and a protein level of 33 mg/dl. The patient was treated with systemic steroids. The vision returned to normal in 4 weeks and the disc edema resolved in 6 weeks without residual deficit. The complications of BCG are discussed.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • BCG Vaccine / adverse effects*
  • Child
  • Dexamethasone / therapeutic use
  • Female
  • Fluorescein Angiography
  • Fundus Oculi
  • Humans
  • Leukocyte Count
  • Optic Neuritis / drug therapy
  • Optic Neuritis / etiology*
  • Skin Tests
  • Tuberculosis / prevention & control
  • Vision, Binocular
  • Visual Acuity

Substances

  • BCG Vaccine
  • Dexamethasone