Laser photocoagulation in the acute retinal necrosis syndrome

Acute retinal necrosis (ARN) is a syndrome of fulminant necrotizing vaso-occlusive retinitis associated with a high incidence of retinal detachment due to retinal breaks and vitreous traction. We performed argon or krypton laser photo-coagulation to demarcate areas of active retinitis as prophylaxis against retinal detachment in five patients with ARN. Patients were concomitantly treated with antiviral agents, systemic steroids, and antiplatelet therapy. One patient required multiple additional treatments as retinal necrosis progressed. The retinas remained attached in all five patients over a mean follow-up period of 15 months. By creating a chorioretinal adhesion in areas of potential retinal break formation, laser photocoagulation may be an effective prophylaxis against retinal detachment in ARN.