Clinical characteristics of acute HSV-2 retinal necrosis

Acute Retinal Necrosis Possibly Triggered by Contra-Lateral Penetrating Trauma

BACKGROUND

Acute retinal necrosis is a rare but devastating acute posterior uveitis caused by a member of the herpes virus family. We report an extremely rare ARN case following penetrating trauma in the contralateral eye.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 61-year-old male was misdiagnosed as sympathetic ophthalmia due to a penetrating trauma history of the contralateral eye. The subsequent administration of high-dose IVMP therapy led to rapid progression of the retinal necrosis. ARN was strongly suspected base on the clinical examination and confirmed by the PCR aqueous testing. The patient finally got good visual outcomes by the effective and prompt antiviral treatment.

CONCLUSION

Ophthalmologists should be alert to the possibility that penetrating injury can trigger the activation of latent viruses. If a patient experiences visual symptoms in the contralateral eye after an open-globe injury, it is recommended that a thorough peripheral retinal examination be performed to avoid missing ARN.

Long-term follow-up of acute retinal necrosis with retinal detachment secondary to herpes simplex virus type 2 with a successful visual outcome

A man in his early 20s presented with acute loss of vision in his only eye, the left eye (OS), and was on oral steroids. He had lost vision in his right eye during his childhood and the cause was unknown. There was no history of trauma. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) in OS was 20/100 and in the right eye was hand movements. OS showed non-granulomatous keratic precipitates on the cornea, anterior chamber flare 1+ and cell 1+, early cataract, vitreous haze and cells 2+ with nasal retinal detachment and superior full thickness retinitis. He underwent pars plana vitrectomy with intravitreal ganciclovir and barrage laser away from the necrotic retina. PCR for herpes simplex virus 2 was positive from the aqueous and vitreous sample. He was started on oral valacyclovir 1 g three times a day and continued on tapering dose of oral steroids. BCVA in OS at 6-month follow-up was 20/25.

Rates of Herpes Simplex Virus Types 1 and 2 in Ocular and Peri-ocular Specimens

PURPOSE

To evaluate the rates of Herpes Simplex Virus types 1 (HSV-1) and 2 (HSV-2) in ocular specimens.

METHODS

Retrospective case series of all patients with a positive laboratory evaluation for ocular HSV performed at the Auckland District Health Board, Auckland, New Zealand between 1 January 2006 and 31 December 2017 were included in the study.

RESULTS

A total of 423 specimens were positive for HSV-1 (99.3%, n = 419) or HSV-2 (0.7%; n = 4). The majority of positive tests were identified through DNA amplification (n = 352; 83%) testing while the remainder were obtained by viral culture (n = 71; 17%). Ocular disease caused by HSV-2 in this study included acute retinal necrosis (n = 2), keratitis (n = 1), and blepharitis (n = 1).

CONCLUSIONS

HSV type 2 is a rare cause of ocular and peri-ocular infection but may cause severe, vision threatening disease.

Clinical Spectrum of Uveitis Induced by Herpes Simplex Virus with Posterior Pole Involvement at Initial Presentation: A Case Series and Literature Review

PURPOSE

To report four cases of herpes simplex virus-induced uveitis with posterior pole involvement at initial presentation.

CASE PRESENTATIONS

In case 1, the posterior pole initially showed dense vitreous hemorrhage from the optic disc, multiple subretinal lesions around the optic disc, and retinal arterial sheath prior to retinal necrosis. In case 2, the posterior pole presented with optic disc edema, retinal venous tortuosity, and arterial sheathing around the optic disc prior to the peripheral retinal necrosis. In case 3 diagnosed with posterior herpetic uveitis, the posterior pole showed retinal arterial sheath and macular structural abnormities. In case 4, the posterior pole demonstrated optic disc swelling, along with perivascular retinal hemorrhage 4 days prior to peripheral retinal necrosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Posterior pole involvement might occur either solely or before the development of peripheral retinal necrosis in patients with herpes simplex virus-induced acute retinal necrosis with and without prior central nervous system herpetic virus infection.

Acute retinal necrosis: A mini review

Acute retinal necrosis is a rare but potentially devastating disease. Even in the era of modern medicine, retinal detachment is a frequent complication leading to vison loss, as well as phthisis bulbi. Whereas IV acyclovir still remains the standard of care, high doses of valacyclovir with/without additional intravitreal injections of foscarnet have been used. In an attempt to reduce the retinal detachment rate, prophylactic laser treatment and early vitrectomy have been proposed. In this article, we aim to review current diagnostic and treatment modalities.

Correlation of quantitative polymerase chain reaction with clinical characteristics of patients with viral retinitis

Purpose

To evaluate the correlation of quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) to the clinical characteristics of patients with viral retinitis.

Methods

Retrospective case series.

Results

Aqueous or vitreous samples of 20 out of 35 eyes showed qRT-PCR positivity for virus etiology (57.14%). Cytomegalovirus (CMV) was most commonly identified in nine eyes (45%). The mean DNA copy number was 2,68,339.65 copies/mL (range: 90-3205397). DNA copy number significantly correlated with the extent of clinical involvement (P = 0.013); however, there was no correlation between DNA copy number and presenting visual acuity (P = 0.31), macular involvement (P = 0.675), optic nerve involvement (P = 0.14), and development of retinal detachment (P = 0.73). There was a significant correlation between the number of DNA copies and the timing of sampling (P = 0.0005). Samples taken earlier in the course of the disease had higher viral copies than later ones.

Conclusion

qRT-PCR is useful in confirming a viral etiology in over 50% of cases of suspected viral retinitis. It correlates well with the extent of clinical involvement and timing of sampling.

Case Report: Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 Acute Retinal Necrosis With Viral Encephalitis in Children

Background

Few cases concerning acute retinal necrosis with viral encephalitis in children have been reported, especially cases where the fundus cannot be identified due to severe vitreous opacity in the early stage that makes diagnosis difficult.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective review of an unusual case of herpes simplex virus-2 (HSV-2) acute retinal necrosis with viral encephalitis in an immunocompetent child, along with a review of relevant literature published up to September 2021.

Result

An 11-year-old girl presented with an approximate 20-day history of ocular redness and decreased visual acuity in the left eye. Examination revealed anterior uveitis and vitreous opacity in the left eye. An anterior chamber tap was performed because the fundus could not be observed clearly, and the aqueous humor was positive for HSV-2 DNA. Cerebrospinal fluid also tested positive for HSV-2. She was diagnosed with acute retinal necrosis syndrome and viral encephalitis. The condition was controlled with timely antiviral and steroid therapy. She was also treated with prophylactic laser therapy to prevent retinal detachment during subsequent follow-up. The pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of HSV-2 acute retinal necrosis in children and the association between acute retinal necrosis and viral encephalitis are further discussed, based on published literature.

Conclusion

HSV-2-related pediatric acute retinal necrosis may be due to the acquisition of subclinical infection with HSV-2 during parturition, followed by reactivation of the virus latent in the body on account of certain factors. Moreover, it may be complicated with viral encephalitis. For suspected cases with invisible fundus, early intraocular fluid examination is especially helpful for differential diagnosis. Early diagnosis, early treatment, and timely prophylactic laser treatment to prevent retinal detachment are key to a better prognosis. Physicians need to pay attention to such suspected cases during diagnosis and treatment.

The Diagnostic Conundrum of Retinitis and a Pigmented Scar

We report a finding of a pigmented chorioretinal scar with acute retinal necrosis (ARN) caused by herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2) infection rather than toxoplasma, creating an initial diagnostic dilemma. A 53-year-old functionally monocular male presented with painless floaters and blurry vision in his seeing eye over a period of 4 days. An exam demonstrated anterior chamber (AC) reaction, vitritis, multifocal patches of whitening, and an occlusive retinal vasculitis. A superior pigmented chorioretinal scar with overlying contracted vitreous was noted in the periphery with no adjacent retinal whitening. The patient was treated for both ARN and toxoplasma chorioretinitis until PCR study of the vitreous and AC returned positive for HSV-2 and negative for toxoplasmosis. Management consisted of a dual therapy regimen of both oral and intravitreal antiviral agents as well as oral corticosteroids. The patient's clinical course was complicated by rhegmatogenous retinal detachment within 2 weeks after symptom onset, requiring pars plana vitrectomy with silicone oil and intraoperative intraocular incubation with foscarnet. We review emerging evidence for pigmented chorioretinal scars in ARN specifically caused by HSV-2, as well as diagnostic and treatment dilemmas in the management of ARN and ARN detachments.

Herpes simplex virus type 1 related acute retinal necrosis following an encephalitis illness: a case report

BACKGROUND

Virus encephalitis is found to be a risk factor for acute retinal necrosis (ARN).

CASE PRESENTATION

We herein presented a case of a 20-year-old teenage boy who suffered from encephalitis of unknown etiology with early negative pathologic results, and was primarily treated with systemic administration of high-dose steroids without antiviral therapy. He later had sudden vision loss in his right eye. Intravitreal and intravenous antiviral treatments were immediately started due to suspected ARN. Herpes simplex virus (HSV)-1 was identified later in the vitreous humor of the patient. After the surgery of retinal detachment (RD), obvious improvements in vision were observed. However, the patient had recurrent RD and vision declination 5 weeks later.

CONCLUSIONS

The case with suspected viral encephalitis should be treated with antiviral therapy regardless of early virologic results in order to avoid complications of a missed viral encephalitis diagnosis, especially if systemic steroid treatment is being considered.

[Ocular manifestations of viral diseases]

Les infections virales peuvent toucher l’ensemble des tuniques oculaires et mettre en jeu la fonction visuelle à plus ou moins courte terme. Les kératites et kérato-uvéites liées au virus HSV-1 sont les atteintes les plus fréquentes. Les récurrences entraînent une opacification cornéenne irréversible qui en fait la première cause de cécité d’origine infectieuse dans les pays occidentaux, et justifient un traitement antiviral préventif au long cours. Le zona ophtalmique (10 à 20 % des zonas), peut s’accompagner d’atteintes oculaires sévères (kératites, kérato-uvéites), dont 30 % deviennent chroniques/récurrentes, et de douleurs post-zostériennes, redoutables dans le territoire trigéminé. Les rétinites nécrosantes liées aux herpesvirus (HSV, VZV, CMV), sont rares mais constituent des urgences fonctionnelles absolues nécessitant un traitement antiviral par voie intraveineuse et intravitréenne. Les conjonctivites à adénovirus constituent la première cause de conjonctivite infectieuse. Le plus souvent bénignes, elles sont extrêmement contagieuses et peuvent se compliquer de lésions cornéennes invalidantes persistant plusieurs mois, voire années. Certaines arboviroses s’accompagnent de manifestations oculaires inflammatoires. Dans le cas du Zika, les infections congénitales peuvent se compliquer d’atrophie maculaire et/ou optique. Les conjonctivites sont très fréquentes à la phase aiguë de la maladie à virus Ebola, dont 15 % des survivants présentent des atteintes inflammatoires chroniques sévères liées à la persistance du virus dans les tissus uvéaux. Enfin, dans le cadre de la COVID-19, les conjonctivites ne sont pas très fréquentes mais peuvent être inaugurales, voire au premier plan et sont associées à une excrétion virale lacrymale qui doit faire prendre toutes les précautions.

Acute retinal necrosis: Clinical manifestation and long-term visual outcomes in a series of polymerase chain reaction-positive patients

PURPOSE

To report the clinical spectrum, viral etiologies, therapeutic interventions, timing of rhegmatogenous retinal detachments (RRD), and visual outcomes in acute retinal necrosis (ARN) syndrome in a series of polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-positive eyes.

METHODS

From January 2010 to January 2017, consecutive patients with the clinical diagnosis of ARN and a positive aqueous viral PCR were included in this observational, retrospective study.

RESULTS

Nineteen eyes found to have a clinical diagnosis of ARN, of which 18 (94.7%) had a positive viral PCR. ARN was unilateral, except in one patient. None of the fellow eyes manifested ARN during follow-up. Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) was detected in 78.0% of ARN eyes. 61.1% of eyes experienced RRD. The median time for the occurrence of RRD was 12 weeks (range: 6-25 weeks) after disease onset. No correlation was found between the etiologic viral agent (VZV vs non-VZV; p = 1.000), extent of retinitis (1-2 quadrant vs 3-4 quadrants; p = 0.326), administration of intravitreal ganciclovir (injected vs not injected; p = 0.332), application of prophylactic laser retinopexy (applied vs not applied; p = 0.326), and subsequent occurrence of RRD.At a 2-year follow-up, visual impairment (VA ⩽ 20/200) and severe visual loss (VA ⩽ light perception) were significantly higher in those complicated by RRD compared to non-RRD eyes (81.8% vs 28.6%; p = 0.047, and 45.4% vs 0.0%; p = 0.004, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Aqueous PCR results are highly consistent with the clinical diagnosis of ARN. Regardless of the method of management, the rate of RRD is high and is associated with a poor visual outcome.

Acute Retinal Necrosis: Virological Features Using Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction, Therapeutic Management, and Clinical Outcomes

PURPOSE

To evaluate outcomes of patients treated with intensive intravitreal therapy and to describe the evolution of quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) in patients treated for acute retinal necrosis (ARN) syndrome.

DESIGN

Retrospective observational case series.

METHODS

This study included 25 eyes of 24 patients with ARN who were treated and followed up in 2 departments of ophthalmology in Lyon, France. Assessed outcomes included qPCR viral load profile during treatment, number of antiviral intravitreal injections (IVT), retinal detachment rate, and best-corrected visual acuity.

RESULTS

Final visual acuity was 20/200 or less in 20% of cases; the rate of retinal detachment was 16%. Viral load kinetics changed in 3 phases: a first plateau period that was not consistent, a logarithmic decrease phase, and a negativation phase. Mean decay of the logarithm of the viral load was estimated at 0.076 per day; mean time of negativation was 56.1 days. Median IVT number was 9 (range, 0-28). Ten patients were treated with injections until the viral load was undetectable. Resistance to acyclovir was observed in a patient with a prolonged initial plateau of the viral load.

CONCLUSIONS

Numerous and prolonged IVTs, used as adjunctive therapy, could improve the prognosis of treated patients by decreasing the risk of retinal detachment and improving visual acuity. QPCR enables monitoring of the response to treatment and can provide evidence for resistance to antiviral treatment by enabling the detection of cases with a prolonged initial plateau of viral load.

Acute Retinal Necrosis Multicenter Case Series: Prognostic Indicators and Treatment Outcomes

Purpose:

The purpose of this article is to report the prognostic associations of acute retinal necrosis (ARN), determine the diagnostic utility of aqueous vs vitreous polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and describe outcomes of antiviral, corticosteroid, antithrombotic, and laser retinopexy treatment.

Methods:

A retrospective, nonrandomized case series was conducted. Primary outcomes included final visual acuity (VA), severe VA loss (≥1.00 log of the minimum angle of resolution [logMAR] [Snellen equivalent, <20/200]), and retinal detachment (RD).

Results:

Fifty eyes of 46 patients were diagnosed with ARN. Varicella-zoster and herpes simplex viruses were the viral etiology in 29 and 16 eyes, respectively. Five were diagnosed on clinical criteria. Intravenous acyclovir was administered in 90% of eyes. Neither induction therapy for ≥13 days ( P = .692) nor intravitreal medication ( P = .203) decreased the incidence of severe vision loss. Maintenance antiviral medication was administered in 96% of eyes (50% received >13 weeks). At final follow-up, 40% of eyes had severe vision loss (range, –0.08 to +3.0 logMAR [Snellen, 20/17-no perception of light]). Forty-six percent developed RD. Relative afferent pupillary defect (RAPD), zone and extent of retinitis, and RD were prognostic of final VA. Antithrombotic therapy was administered in 25/50 eyes and was associated with lower incidence of severe VA loss ( P = .027) and better final VA ( P = .040). Laser retinopexy was performed in 40% of eyes with no significant effect on RD incidence ( P = .901) or severe VA loss ( P = .451).

Conclusions:

ARN has a high incidence of RD and poor visual outcomes. Aqueous humor PCR is the first-line diagnostic investigation. Prognostic indicators include RD, RAPD, zone, and extent of retinitis. Induction antiviral medication is appropriate for at least 12 days. Antithrombotic medication is associated with improved outcomes. Laser retinopexy does not reduce the incidence of RD.

Bilateral Acute Retinal Necrosis: Clinical Features and Outcomes in a Multicenter Study

Purpose: To describe clinical features and outcome in bilateral acute retinal necrosis (BARN). Methods: Observational retrospective longitudinal review of ocular findings. Results: Thirty eyes of 15 patients (age 44.1 ± 15.8). Delay of involvement between eyes was 57.2 ± 105.2 months (median 3, range 0.5-360). Herpes simplex virus (HSV)-1 was the most frequent (20 eyes, 66.6%), followed by HSV-2 (five eyes, 16.7%) and varicella zoster virus (VZV, four eyes, 13.3%). Visual acuity worsened in 7 (23%) eyes, improved in 4 (13%), and remained stable in 19 (63%). Major complications included retinal detachment (11 eyes, 36%), optic atrophy (11 eyes, 33%), proliferative vitreoretinopathy (four eyes, 13.3%), neovascular glaucoma (four eyes, 13.3%), phthisis bulbi (three eyes, 10%). Symptoms-to-referral average time was 2.7 ± 1.0 weeks (range 1-4). Conclusions: In our study BARN was associated with severe visual outcome and high rate of ocular complications. Although BARN is a rare disease, the course is aggressive, regardless prompt referral in tertiary-care uveitis centers.

Emerging concepts in the management of acute retinal necrosis

Acute retinal necrosis (ARN), also known as Kirisawa-type uveitis, is an uncommon condition caused by infection of the retina by one of the herpes family of viruses, most typically varicella zoster virus or herpes simplex virus and less commonly cytomegalovirus. Clinical diagnosis can be challenging and is often aided by PCR-based analysis of ocular fluids. Treatment typically involves extended use of one or more antiviral agents. Long term retinal detachment risk is high. We review the literature on ARN and present an approach to the diagnosis and management of this serious condition.

Recent Updates on Treatment of Ocular Microbial Infections by Stem Cell Therapy: A Review

Ocular microbial infection has emerged as a major public health crisis during the past two decades. A variety of causative agents can cause ocular microbial infections; which are characterized by persistent and destructive inflammation of the ocular tissue; progressive visual disturbance; and may result in loss of visual function in patients if early and effective treatments are not received. The conventional therapeutic approaches to treat vision impairment and blindness resulting from microbial infections involve antimicrobial therapy to eliminate the offending pathogens or in severe cases; by surgical methods and retinal prosthesis replacing of the infected area. In cases where there is concurrent inflammation, once infection is controlled, anti-inflammatory agents are indicated to reduce ocular damage from inflammation which ensues. Despite advances in medical research; progress in the control of ocular microbial infections remains slow. The varying level of ocular tissue recovery in individuals and the incomplete visual functional restoration indicate the chief limitations of current strategies. The development of a more extensive therapy is needed to help in healing to regain vision in patients. Stem cells are multipotent stromal cells that can give rise to a vast variety of cell types following proper differentiation protocol. Stem cell therapy shows promise in reducing inflammation and repairing tissue damage on the eye caused by microbial infections by its ability to modulate immune response and promote tissue regeneration. This article reviews a selected list of common infectious agents affecting the eye; which include fungi; viruses; parasites and bacteria with the aim of discussing the current antimicrobial treatments and the associated therapeutic challenges. We also provide recent updates of the advances in stem cells studies on sepsis therapy as a suggestion of optimum treatment regime for ocular microbial infections.

Retained intraocular iron foreign body presenting with acute retinal necrosis

We report an unusual case of retained metallic intraocular foreign body (IOFB) presenting with acute retinal necrosis (ARN). A healthy young man presented with signs of ARN including hypopyon, dense vitritis, and peripheral retinal necrosis following alleged history of trauma with a high-velocity projectile. After initial management of ARN with systemic antivirals, a retained metallic IOFB was identified and subsequently removed surgically. The patient was followed up for 12 months postoperatively and retained excellent vision without recurrence of the ARN. The diagnosis of an IOFB in a case with associated inflammation can be challenging. A strong clinical suspicion with proper investigations can achieve optimum results.

Viral posterior uveitis

The causes of posterior uveitis can be divided into infectious, autoimmune, or masquerade syndromes. Viral infections, a significant cause of sight-threatening ocular diseases in the posterior segment, include human herpesviruses, measles, rubella, and arboviruses such as dengue, West Nile, and chikungunya virus. Viral posterior uveitis may occur as an isolated ocular disease in congenital or acquired infections or as part of a systemic viral illness. Many viruses remain latent in the infected host with a risk of reactivation that depends on various factors, including virulence and host immunity, age, and comorbidities. Although some viral illnesses are self-limiting and have a good visual prognosis, others, such as cytomegalovirus retinitis or acute retinal necrosis, may result in serious complications and profound vision loss. Since some of these infections may respond well to antiviral therapy, it is important to work up all cases of posterior uveitis to rule out an infectious etiology. We review the clinical features, diagnostic tools, treatment regimens, and long-term outcomes for each of these viral posterior uveitides.

Acute Retinal Necrosis: Presenting Characteristics and Clinical Outcomes in a Cohort of Polymerase Chain Reaction-Positive Patients

PURPOSE

To identify determinants of adverse outcomes in acute retinal necrosis (ARN), presenting characteristics and incidence rates of vision loss and ocular complications in a cohort of polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-positive eyes were analyzed.

DESIGN

Retrospective observational cohort study.

METHODS

Forty-one eyes of 36 patients with clinically diagnosed ARN, PCR-positive for herpes simplex virus or varicella zoster virus and evaluated between January 2002 and June 2013, were included. Main outcome measures included incidence rates of vision loss and retinal detachment (RD).

RESULTS

Presenting visual acuity was generally poor (20/50 to >20/200 in 27%; 20/200 or worse in 56%). The incidence rate of ≤20/200 was 0.66/eye-year (EY), (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.32/EY to 1.22/EY); the rate of light perception or no light perception vision was 0.07/EY (95% CI, 0.02/EY to 0.16/EY). During follow-up, 59% of eyes developed at least 1 RD (rate = 0.40/EY, 95% CI, 0.19/EY to 0.58/EY). Eyes with retinitis involving ≥25% of the retina at presentation detached at nearly 12 times the rate, as compared to those with <25% retinal involvement (0.70/EY vs 0.06/EY; P = .001). Development of an RD was the greatest determinant of adverse visual outcomes, with 4% of eyes, that had experienced at least 1 RD, achieving a best-corrected visual acuity of ≥20/40 compared to 53% of eyes that never detached (P = .0003).

CONCLUSIONS

Poor outcomes in ARN were common in this cohort. RD confers the greatest risk of incident vision loss, and once 25% or more of the retina is involved the risk of RD and visual loss increases significantly.

Correlation of Clinical Outcomes with Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction DNA Copy Number in Patients with Acute Retinal Necrosis

PURPOSE

To correlate visual acuity outcomes and clinical features with quantitative PCR DNA copy number in patients with acute retinal necrosis (ARN).

METHODS

Retrospective, consecutive case series.

RESULTS

In total, 14 eyes of 13 patients were diagnosed with ARN, based on the American Uveitis Society criteria, and were followed for a mean of 324.5 days (median 250.5 days, SD ± 214 days). Anterior chamber fluid analyzed by quantitative PCR identified viral DNA in 11 of 14 eyes (78.5%). Varicella zoster virus (VZV) was identified in seven eyes (50%) and herpes simplex virus (HSV) in four eyes (28.5%). Mean DNA copy number was 7.9 × 10⁶/mL (median 2.10 × 10⁶/mL, range: 0-5.60 × 10⁷/mL). Eyes with quantitative PCR DNA copy number of ≥5.0 × 10⁶/mL (n = 6 eyes) had worse baseline visual acuity (logMAR 1.48 ± 0.71 vs 0.94 ± 0.76, p = 0.196) and final visual acuity (logMAR 2.10 ± 0.60 vs 0.82 ± 0.81, p = 0.007) compared with patients with a DNA copy number <5.0 × 10⁶/mL (n = 8 eyes). Patients with a DNA copy number of ≥5.0 × 10⁶/mL were more likely to have at least 5 clock hours of retinitis on funduscopic exam (p = 0.03) and developed retinal detachment more frequently (p = 0.08).

CONCLUSIONS

Quantitative DNA copy number of ≥5.0 × 10⁶/mL is associated with more extensive retinitis, worse visual acuity, and development of retinal detachment in patients with acute retinal necrosis.

Long-term outcomes in patients undergoing vitrectomy for retinal detachment due to viral retinitis

Purpose

To determine the outcomes in patients with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) secondary to viral retinitis.

Patients and methods

This was a retrospective, consecutive, noncomparative, interventional case series of 12 eyes in ten patients with RRD secondary to viral retinitis. Results of vitreous or aqueous biopsy, effect of antiviral therapeutics, time to retinal detachment, course of visual acuity, and anatomic and surgical outcomes were investigated.

Results

There were 1,259 cases of RRD during the study period, with 12 cases of RRD secondary to viral retinitis (prevalence of 0.95%). Follow-up was available for a mean period of 4.4 years. Varicella zoster virus was detected in six eyes, herpes simplex virus in two eyes, and cytomegalovirus in two eyes. Eight patients were treated with oral valacyclovir and two patients with intravenous acyclovir. Lack of optic nerve involvement correlated with improved final visual acuity of 20/100 or greater. Pars plana vitrectomy (n=12), silicone-oil tamponade (n=11), and scleral buckling (n=10) provided successful anatomic retinal reattachment in all cases, with no recurrent retinal detachment and no cases of hypotony during the follow-up period.

Conclusion

Varicella zoster virus was the most frequent cause of viral retinitis, and lack of optic nerve involvement was predictive of a favorable visual acuity prognosis. Vitrectomy with silicone-oil tamponade and scleral buckle placement provided stable anatomical outcomes.

Infectious Uveitis

Infectious uveitis is one of the most common and visually devastating causes of uveitis in the US and worldwide. This review provides a summary of the identification, treatment, and complications associated with certain forms of viral, bacterial, fungal, helminthic, and parasitic uveitis. In particular, this article reviews the literature on identification and treatment of acute retinal necrosis due to herpes simplex virus, varicella virus, and cytomegalovirus. While no agreed-upon treatment has been identified, the characteristics of Ebola virus panuveitis is also reviewed. In addition, forms of parasitic infection such as Toxoplasmosis and Toxocariasis are summarized, as well as spirochetal uveitis. Syphilitic retinitis is reviewed given its increase in prevalence over the last decade. The importance of early identification and treatment of infectious uveitis is emphasized. Early identification can be achieved with a combination of maintaining a high suspicion, recognizing certain clinical features, utilizing multi-modal imaging, and obtaining specimens for molecular diagnostic testing.

Neonatal herpes simplex virus type-1 central nervous system disease with acute retinal necrosis

We report a case of neonatal herpes simplex virus (HSV)-1 central nervous system disease with bilateral acute retinal necrosis (ARN). An infant was presented at 17 days of age with focal seizures. Cerebrospinal fluid polymerase chain reaction was positive for HSV-1 and brain magnetic resonance imaging showed cerebritis. While receiving intravenous acyclovir therapy, the infant developed ARN with vitreous fluid polymerase chain reaction positive for HSV-1 necessitating intravitreal foscarnet therapy. This is the first reported neonatal ARN secondary to HSV-1 and the first ARN case presenting without external ocular or cutaneous signs. Our report highlights that infants with neonatal HSV central nervous system disease should undergo a thorough ophthalmological evaluation to facilitate prompt diagnosis and immediate treatment of this rapidly progressive sight-threatening disease.

Acute retinal necrosis secondary to multidrug-resistant herpes simplex virus 2 in an immunocompetent adolescent

PURPOSE

To report the clinical course of a patient with acute retinal necrosis resulting from a multidrug-resistant strain of herpes simplex virus 2.

METHODS

Observational case report.

RESULTS

A 17-year-old man with no identifiable immune deficiency presented with pain and decreased vision in his left eye. He had dense anterior and posterior segment inflammation with retinal whitening suggestive of acute retinal necrosis, which progressed despite treatment with intravenous acyclovir, methylprednisolone, and ganciclovir. A transition to intravitreal and intravenous foscarnet led to clinical improvement. Genetic analysis revealed the etiology to be a multidrug-resistant strain of herpes simplex virus 2.

CONCLUSION

Antiviral resistance is an uncommon finding among viruses causing acute retinal necrosis in immunocompetent patients. Patients with these infections may be adequately treated with prompt recognition and a change in therapy to alternative antiviral agents such as foscarnet.

Time profile of viral DNA in aqueous humor samples of patients treated for varicella-zoster virus acute retinal necrosis by use of quantitative real-time PCR

The objective of this study was to evaluate the kinetics of varicella-zoster virus (VZV) loads using quantitative PCR (qPCR) in patients treated for acute retinal necrosis (ARN). Six patients (52 ± 13 years old) with ARN syndrome were consecutively studied. Aqueous humor (AH) was sampled from both eyes of all patients for qPCR evaluation. The patients were treated with intravenous acyclovir and intravitreal injections of antiviral drugs. The mean follow-up time was 17.6 ± 16.4 months. Main outcome measures were the numbers of viral genome copies in the AH, assessed using real-time qPCR with hydrolysis probe technology with a threshold of detection of 200 copies/ml. Two main portions of the viral load curves were observed for each patient: a plateau phase (27.8 ± 24.9 days) and a decrease in the number of viral genome copies. The mean baseline viral load was 3.4 × 10(7) ± 4.45 × 10(7) copies/ml (6 × 10(6) to 1.2 × 10(8) copies/ml). The viral load decreased according to a logarithmic model, with a 50% reduction obtained in 3 ± 0.7 days. There was a significant viral load (>102 copies/ml) at 50 days after the onset of treatment, despite antiviral drugs. qPCR use demonstrated reproducible VZV DNA kinetics with a two-phase evolution: a plateau followed by a logarithmic decrease. These data suggest that high-dosage antiviral therapy administered for the conventional 10-day duration is insufficient for most patients. This series of patients responded with a similar decrease in viral load once treatment was initiated, and the data from these patients may be used to predict the responses of future patients.

Herpes simplex virus type 2 mediated acute retinal necrosis in a pediatric population: case series and review

BACKGROUND

We report 15 eyes with herpes simples virus type 2 (HSV-2) mediated acute retinal necrosis (ARN) in order to better characterize pathogenesis, clinical course, diagnosis, and outcomes of the disease.

METHODS

Retrospective observational case series of 14 patients (15 eyes) all aged 21 years or younger with acute retinal necrosis resulting from HSV-2 and examined between 1995 and 2009. Patients were diagnosed by various techniques, including polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of aqueous, vitreous, and serum, antibody determination of serum and intraocular fluids, fundoscopic exam, a therapeutic trial of antivirals active against HSV-2, or a combination thereof.

RESULTS

Mean age of presentation was 11.7 years (range, newborn to 21.0 years) with a standard deviation of 7.0 years. Mean initial vision was 20/200 (median, 20/400; range, 20/20 to LP). Eleven patients (73.3 %) had received oral, injectable, or topical corticosteroids, and 14 (93.3 %) had received antiviral therapy. All patients were diagnosed based on evaluation of intraocular fluids and tissue by antibody determinations, culture, PCR, histopathologic examination, or a combination thereof. Mean final visual acuity was 20/400 (median, CF; range, 20/25 to LP) with worsened visual acuity in five eyes (33.3 %). Anatomically, 14 of 15 eyes had healed or improved retinal appearance.

CONCLUSIONS

In a pediatric population with acute retinal necrosis, HSV-2 should be considered as the prime candidate virus. Diagnosis of HSV-2 acute retinal necrosis is accomplished mainly by PCR of ocular specimens. Prompt diagnosis may lead to appropriate anti-viral therapy.

Acute retinal necrosis caused by herpes simplex virus type 2 in children: reactivation of an undiagnosed latent neonatal herpes infection

Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) is known to cause acute retinal necrosis (ARN). The availability of HSV-2-specific polymerase chain reaction tests for diagnostic analysis has greatly increased our ability to discriminate ARN caused by HSV-2 from ARN caused by either herpes simplex virus type 1 or varicella zoster virus (VZV). Of great interest, HSV-2 appears to be the most common cause of viral ARN in children and adolescents. Although a few children with ARN are known to have had neonatally acquired herpes infection, most children lack a history of known herpes disease. Thus, the origin of the HSV-2 infection is a mystery. The hypothesis of this review is that HSV-2 ARN in children and adolescents may be the first sign of a previously undiagnosed and asymptomatic neonatal HSV-2 infection, which has reactivated several years later from latency in a cranial nerve and entered the retina. The review brings together 7 previously published ARN cases, plus one new case is added. Thus, this review also expands the spectrum of complications from neonatal HSV-2 infection.

Epstein-Barr virus and acute retinal necrosis in a 5-year-old immunocompetent child

Objective

To describe a case of bilateral acute retinal necrosis syndrome (ARNS) in a 5-year-old boy.

Method

A retrospective, interventional case is described in one child attending the pediatric ophthalmology section, complaining of sudden bilateral red eye and haze-impaired vision. A standardized ophthalmologic examination and specific serological probes supported the diagnosis of severe bilateral ARNS in an immunocompetent child.

Results

The reduced visual acuity (<20/400), the ocular fundus signs (perivasculitis, thrombosis and retinal edema) and the positive immunoglobulin M anti-Epstein Barr virus serology, lead us to the ARNS definitive diagnosis. Antiviral therapy (Acyclovir; Zovirax^®), ciclopentolate dilating eye drops, and antiplatelet treatment (acetil salicylic acid; Aspirin^®) were administered until recovering the final visual acuity (20/40).

Conclusions

The ARNS is an ocular disease with poor prognosis, which in turns may display better course when determining the etiopathogenic virus and selecting the appropriate and precocious therapy.

The Role of Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cells in Innate and Adaptive Immune Responses against Alpha Herpes Virus Infections

In 1999, two independent groups identified plasmacytoid dendritic cells (PDC) as major type I interferon- (IFN-) producing cells in the blood. Since then, evidence is accumulating that PDC are a multifunctional cell population effectively coordinating innate and adaptive immune responses. This paper focuses on the role of different immune cells and their interactions in the surveillance of alpha herpes virus infections, summarizes current knowledge on PDC surface receptors and their role in direct cell-cell contacts, and develops a risk factor model for the clinical implications of herpes simplex and varicella zoster virus reactivation. Data from studies involving knockout mice and cell-depletion experiments as well as human studies converge into a "spider web", in which the direct and indirect crosstalk between many cell populations tightly controls acute, latent, and recurrent alpha herpes virus infections. Notably, cells involved in innate immune regulations appear to shape adaptive immune responses more extensively than previously thought.

[Acute retinal necrosis from the virologist's perspective]

Acute retinal necrosis occurs in approximately one per million persons per year and is caused in approximately 70% of the cases by the varicella zoster virus or in about 30% of the cases by herpes simplex virus. The early diagnosis is primarily based on virus-specific polymerase chain reaction in fluid from the anterior chamber or vitreous humor and can be supported by the determination of specific antibody titers from fluid and serum. Virus detection provides the basis for early causative therapy which limits disease progression and risk of complications. Retinal infections by varicella zoster virus or herpes simplex virus are treated with aciclovir, ganciclovir, or famciclovir. Ganciclovir and valganciclovir are used for the therapy of retinal cytomegalovirus infections. In the case of resistance development, foscarnet or cidofovir are available as second line antiviral drugs. The early use of specific antiviral agents is a crucial prerequisite for optimized therapy of acute retinal necrosis.

Clinical reactivations of herpes simplex virus type 2 infection and human immunodeficiency virus disease progression markers

Background

The natural history of HSV-2 infection and role of HSV-2 reactivations in HIV disease progression are unclear.

Methods

Clinical symptoms of active HSV-2 infection were used to classify 1,938 HIV/HSV-2 co-infected participants of the Women's Interagency HIV Study (WIHS) into groups of varying degree of HSV-2 clinical activity. Differences in plasma HIV RNA and CD4+ T cell counts between groups were explored longitudinally across three study visits and cross-sectionally at the last study visit.

Results

A dose dependent association between markers of HIV disease progression and degree of HSV-2 clinical activity was observed. In multivariate analyses after adjusting for baseline CD4+ T cell levels, active HSV-2 infection with frequent symptomatic reactivations was associated with 21% to 32% increase in the probability of detectable plasma HIV RNA (trend p = 0.004), an average of 0.27 to 0.29 log10 copies/ml higher plasma HIV RNA on a continuous scale (trend p<0.001) and 51 to 101 reduced CD4+ T cells/mm³ over time compared to asymptomatic HSV-2 infection (trend p<0.001).

Conclusions

HIV induced CD4+ T cell loss was associated with frequent symptomatic HSV-2 reactivations. However, effect of HSV-2 reactivations on HIV disease progression markers in this population was modest and appears to be dependent on the frequency and severity of reactivations. Further studies will be necessary to determine whether HSV-2 reactivations contribute to acceleration of HIV disease progression.

Acute retinal necrosis and cystic encephalomalacia in a premature neonate

PURPOSE

To report a case of an infant born at 30 weeks gestational age (GA) who, at 37 weeks GA, presented with bilateral acute retinal necrosis (ARN) syndrome and herpes simplex virus (HSV) encephalomalacia.

METHODS

Observational case report.

RESULTS

A premature infant was found to have ARN based on dilated funduscopic examination and positive HSV serologies. Herpes simplex virus encephalomalacia was diagnosed base on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

CONCLUSION

To our knowledge, this is the youngest reported patient with ARN. This case demonstrates that neonatal ARN may present with posterior chorioretinal lesions and highlights the importance of considering HSV infection of the central nervous system with MRI findings of cystic encephalomalacia.

Retinal Vasculitis

Retinal vasculitis is a sight-threatening intraocular inflammation affecting the retinal vessels. It may occur as an isolated ocular condition, as a manifestation of infectious or neoplastic disorders, or in association with a systemic inflammatory disease. The search for an underlying etiology should be approached in a multidisciplinary fashion based on a thorough history, review of systems, physical examination, and laboratory evaluation. Discrimination between infectious and noninfectious etiologies of retinal vasculitis is important because their treatment is different. This review is based on recently published articles on retinal vasculitis and deals with its clinical diagnosis, its link with systemic diseases, and its laboratory investigation.

Role of nectin-1, HVEM, and PILR-alpha in HSV-2 entry into human retinal pigment epithelial cells

PURPOSE

Herpes simplex virus-type 2 (HSV-2) can cause acute retinal necrosis (ARN), which can lead to exudative and rhegmatogenous retinal detachment, yet little is known about the cellular and molecular mechanisms of HSV-2 entry into retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells. The goal of this study was to establish the identity of the critical receptors used by the virus for infection.

METHODS

A reporter HSV-2 virus, which expresses beta-galactosidase, was used to quantify entry into RPE cells, and viral replication was ascertained using a plaque assay. Flow cytometry and immunocytochemistry were used to determine cellular expression of entry receptors. Localization of these receptors to the apical or basal surface of RPE cells was determined with immunocytochemistry. The necessity of these receptors, individually and in combination, for viral entry was established using receptor-specific antibodies and siRNAs.

RESULTS

RPE cells are highly susceptible to HSV-2 entry and replication. Several assays demonstrated the expression of the entry receptors nectin-1, HVEM, and PILR-alpha and their localization primarily to the apical surfaces of RPE cells. Receptor-specific antibodies and siRNA knockdown of receptors significantly reduced viral entry and implicated nectin-1 as an important receptor, with HVEM and PILR-alpha potentially also contributing to entry.

CONCLUSIONS

HSV-2 is capable of developing a productive infection in RPE cells by using nectin-1 as an important entry receptor. To lesser degrees, HVEM and PILR-alpha may also contribute to HSV-2 entry into RPE cells.

A review of pediatric uveitis: Part I. Infectious causes and the masquerade syndromes

Uveitis is a manifestation of complex processes that can represent an infectious or a purely immune system modulated condition and may have grave effects on the eye. Much of the morbidity in these conditions is the result of the immune response to these stimuli. These infectious diseases may be successfully treated by addressing the inciting organism with recognized interventions. Treatment of the immune response to the organism often must be pursued simultaneously to minimize long-term complications caused by structural changes within the eye. Assisting the individual's immune response to eliminate the organism while minimizing the immune response's damaging effects remains a unique challenge drawing on both the science and the art of medicine. Several non-infectious conditions that are not autoimmune diseases may commonly masquerade as uveitis, leading to delays in appropriate treatment.

HSV2 acute retinal necrosis: diagnosis and monitoring with quantitative polymerase chain reaction

PURPOSE

To describe a case of HSV2 acute retinal necrosis (ARN) diagnosed and monitored with quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in ocular fluids.

DESIGN

Case report.

METHODS

Quantitative PCR was performed in the aqueous humor (AH) and vitreous using primers specific for herpes virus.

RESULTS

A positive PCR was found for HSV2 in the AH (>100,000,000 viral copies - 8.00 log/ml). After therapy, another anterior chamber tap showed a reduction of the viral load at 4.28 log/ml (19205 copies), confirming the efficacy of the treatment. After six months, PCR on the vitreous still showed the presence of HSV2 viral particles in the eye (3.14 log DNA copies/ml, 1379 copies) although the lesion was healed.

CONCLUSIONS

This case demonstrates that PCR is useful to detect viral DNA in AH and vitreous and to monitor viral activity and therapeutic response. Viral DNA persists in ocular fluids for months in the presence of a healed infection.

Acute retinal necrosis secondary to herpes simplex virus type 2 with preexisting chorioretinal scarring

Acute retinal necrosis in children is a devastating disease that requires early diagnosis and treatment. The authors describe a rarely reported case of bilateral acute retinal necrosis in a child caused by neonatal herpes simplex virus type 2, where the presence of previous chorioretinal scarring made diagnosis challenging.