Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) is a progressive infection of the central nervous system caused by an altered form of the measles virus. It usually affects children and young adults who are from areas of the world where measles immunisation is inadequate. Systemic manifestations include behavioral and cognitive changes, myoclonic jerks, and ataxia. The time interval between symptom onset and death is typically 2-3 years. Ophthalmic features are found in 50% of SSPE cases and include macular retinitis/macular pigment disturbance, chorioretinitis, disc swelling, optic neuritis, visual field defects, nystagmus and cortical blindness. In this article, the authors presented two cases of SSPE whose visual symptoms preceded systemic involvement, and summarised the existing literature on this uncommon condition.
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