EPSTEIN-BARR VIRUS ACUTE RETINAL NECROSIS IN AN IMMUNOCOMPETENT HOST

To describe a case of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-associated acute retinal necrosis (ARN) in an immunocompetent patient and to summarize the clinical features of published molecularly confirmed EBV-ARN cases.

Case report and literature review.

An 83-year-old immunocompetent woman with unilateral ARN presented with visual acuity of light perception. Oral valacyclovir was started. One week later, vitrectomy was conducted for worsening inflammation. Intraoperatively, a severe confluent necrotizing retinitis and occlusive vasculitis involving all four quadrants of posterior and peripheral retina were noted. Vitreous polymerase chain reaction was exclusively positive for EBV. Other autoimmune, infective, and hematological work-up was negative. The retinitis resolved 3 months later, but with significant macular and generalized retinal atrophy, visual acuity remained light perception. From the literature, there are four EBV-ARN cases (six eyes) diagnosed based on polymerase chain reaction or fluorescence in-situ hybridization of vitreous or retinal samples. All patients were immunocompromised or on immunosuppressive treatment. Presenting visual acuity was light perception or worse in 3/6 eyes. Three patients received systemic acyclovir-based therapy. Vitrectomy was performed in 4/6 eyes between 4 and 8 weeks from disease onset. All cases had involvement of the posterior and peripheral retina. Retinal detachment occurred in 2/6 eyes, and final visual acuity was no light perception in 3/6 eyes.

This case expands the clinical spectrum of EBV-ARN to include infection in immunocompetent hosts. Epstein-Barr virus-ARN seems to be characterized by a global peripheral and posterior fulminant retinitis, with adverse visual acuity outcomes despite systemic acyclovir-based therapy. The benefits of adjunctive intravitreal foscarnet, systemic steroids, and early vitrectomy may warrant further investigation.