[Abrupt visual loss in children. Three case studies of ocular bartonellosis].
PURPOSE: To evaluate the severity and progression of neuroretinitis in children caused by Bartonella. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective study of three consecutive cases. Patients underwent ophthalmological, medical, and radiological evaluations. Bartonella serology was positive. Intravenous treatment was started immediately with antibiotics and steroids. Patients were re-evaluated after visual acuity recovery. RESULTS: Progression was quickly positive with fosfomycin and fluoroquinolones in all cases. CONCLUSION: Bartonella induces neuroretinitis even without systemic signs of cat-scratch disease, with sometimes sudden bilateral blindness. Long-term progression is good but urgent medical treatment is necessary.