Journal of Neuro-Ophthalmology, September 1990, Volume 10, Issue 3

Enhanced ptosis in Fisher's syndrome after Epstein-Barr virus infection.

A 20-year-old woman presented with bilateral ptosis, total ophthalmoplegia, cerebellar symptoms, and hyporeflexia, indicating Fisher's syndrome. She had been diagnosed with infectious mononucleosis 2 months previously. Increased Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) titer was noted, and the Epstein-Barr virus-associated nuclear antigen (EBNA) became positive during the clinical course. Apparent light-near dissociation of the pupils was noted and accommodation was intact. During pharmacological tests with topical application to the eye by sympathomimetic or parasympathomimetic drugs, the pupils showed no supersensitivity, indicating possible central disorder. Enhanced ptosis was noted in each eye and this condition was aggravated by manually lifting the eyelids. The recovery latency time of this enhanced ptosis was approximately 180 ms, indicating a central polysynaptic process to possibly be the cause. Although this condition is considered specifically associated with peripheral neural or muscle diseases, the present case would indicate a central disorder as a possible mechanism.