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Acute retinal necrosis--a case report
Piotr Oleksy1, Izabella Karska-Basta, Agnieszka Kubicka-Trzaska
1Department of Ophthalmology, Clinic of Ophthalmology and Ocular Oncology, Medical College, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland. piotroleksy@yahoo.pl
Klinika Oczna
|September 15, 2011
Summary
Acute retinal necrosis (ARN), a severe viral eye infection, was diagnosed in a teenager. Varicella zoster virus (VZV) was identified as the cause using PCR, enabling prompt treatment.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Virology
- Medical Diagnostics
Background:
- Acute retinal necrosis (ARN) is a rare, rapidly progressive viral retinitis.
- Herpes simplex virus (HSV) and Varicella zoster virus (VZV) are primary causes, with Cytomegalovirus (CMV) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) as potential factors.
Observation:
- A 17-year-old male presented with sudden, painful vision loss in one eye and floaters in the other.
- Ophthalmological examination led to a diagnosis of bilateral ARN.
Findings:
- Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis of aqueous humor confirmed Varicella zoster virus (VZV) as the causative agent.
- Prompt initiation of systemic antiviral therapy and steroids was performed.
Implications:
- Rapid, accurate diagnosis is critical for timely antiviral treatment of ARN.
- PCR analysis of intraocular fluids is a valuable tool for identifying herpesvirus etiologies in retinitis.
