Retinal Vascular Complications of Dengue Fever, an Unexplored Entity: A Case Series

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Published Sep 22, 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.35479/ijretina.2026.vol009.iss002.362

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Rova Virgana
Departement of Ophthalmology Faculty of Medicine Universitas Padjadjaran
Ratu Puri Paramita Sastradiwirja
PRIME Center Clinics

Abstract

Introduction: Systemic manifestations of dengue fever are well characterised, however ocular involvement has historically been considered a rare and under-recognised complication.  Although less common,it can lead to visual impairment or blindness if not promptly addressed.


Case Report: We describe a case series of five patients, all with clinically and serologically confirmed dengue fever who developed retinal vascular complications. Demographic data were extracted, along with systemic history (interval between dengue infection diagnosis to the onset of ocular symptoms, and interval between visual complaint to ophthalmic evaluation), and presenting best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA). Pre-existing identifiable causes of retinal vascular occlusion (RVO) , if any,  were recorded. All patients underwent fundus photo and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) examinations.


Discussion: Seven eyes of five patients were included, all patients were female with a mean age of 25.8 years (range 19-32 years). None had identifiable pre-existing risk factor for RVO. The mean interval between dengue fever diagnosis to the onset of visual symptoms was 9.6 days (range 7-14 days). Patient one presented with sequential, bilateral central retinal artery occlusion; patient two came in with bilateral Purtscher-like retinopathy. Another patients exhibit paracentral acute-middle maculopathy (PAMM), and branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO). Presenting BCVA ranged widely from 20/20 with paracentral scotoma to 20/800, reflecting the heterogenous severity of the vascular insult across the cohort.


Conclusion: Dengue fever can produce a diverse spectrum of retinal vascular complications, typically manifesting one to three weeks after the onset of systemic illness. Spectral-domain OCT is central to the diagnosis, even when clinical examination is unremarkable. Prompt recognition and management is needed to avoid ocular complications and visual impairment.


 


Keywords: dengue fever, dengue eye disease, retinal vascular occlusion, macular edema

Keywords

dengue fever, dengue eye disease, retinal vascular occlusion, macular edema

Article Details

How to Cite
VIRGANA, Rova; SASTRADIWIRJA, Ratu Puri Paramita. Retinal Vascular Complications of Dengue Fever, an Unexplored Entity:. International Journal of Retina, [S.l.], v. 9, n. 2, p. 33-39, sep. 2026. ISSN 2614-8536. Available at: <https://www.ijretina.com/index.php/ijretina/article/view/362>. Date accessed: 23 sep. 2026. doi: https://doi.org/10.35479/ijretina.2026.vol009.iss002.362.
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Issue
Vol 9 No 2 (2026): International Journal of Retina (IJRetina) - INAVRS
Section
Case Report
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