ACUTE RETINAL PIGMENT EPITHELIITIS: ASSOCIATION WITH ACUTE COXSACKIE A VIRUS INFECTION

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Virology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Acute retinal pigment epitheliitis (ARPE) is an inflammatory eye condition.
• Coxsackie A virus is a common cause of viral illnesses, including hand-foot-mouth disease.

Observation:

• A case report describes a 37-year-old man with acute onset of vision changes and retinal pigment epithelial alterations.
• Spectral domain optical coherence tomography revealed characteristic changes of ARPE.
• The patient's son had a concurrent viral exanthematous illness, prompting serologic testing.

Findings:

• Serologic testing confirmed acute Coxsackie A virus infection, with positive IgM antibodies for multiple serotypes, including A16.
• The retinal findings showed spontaneous regression over one month and complete resolution by 16 months.
• This is the first documented case linking ARPE with serologic evidence of acute Coxsackie A virus infection.

Implications:

• This case suggests ARPE may be a manifestation of Coxsackie A virus infection.
• Further research and serologic confirmation in future cases could expand the understanding of "Coxsackie retinopathies."
• This association highlights the potential for viral infections to cause ocular inflammatory conditions.