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Chickenpox-associated acute retinal necrosis syndrome
W W Culbertson1, R D Brod, H W Flynn
1Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Miami School of Medicine, FL 33136.
Ophthalmology
|November 11, 1991
Summary
Acute retinal necrosis (ARN) can occur during primary chickenpox infection. This mild form of ARN presents with limited retinitis and no vision loss, differing from typical ARN cases.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Virology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Acute retinal necrosis (ARN) syndrome is typically a severe condition resulting from reactivation of varicella-zoster virus (VZV) or herpes simplex virus (HSV).
- ARN commonly presents with significant intraocular inflammation, retinal necrosis, and potential vision loss.
Observation:
- Four patients developed a mild form of ARN within one month following the onset of primary chickenpox (varicella-zoster infection).
- These cases presented with less severe symptoms compared to typical ARN.
Findings:
- Retinitis was limited to two quadrants or less in three patients.
- No retinal detachment, minimal vitreitis, and no loss of visual acuity were observed in all four patients.
- ARN can manifest during the course of primary VZV infection, not solely from reactivation.
Implications:
- This suggests that primary varicella-zoster virus infection can directly cause a milder form of ARN.
- Ophthalmologists should consider ARN in patients presenting with ocular inflammation during acute chickenpox.
- Early recognition and management may prevent severe visual impairment in these cases.