Acute retinal necrosis in children caused by herpes simplex virus

Causes of infectious pediatric uveitis: A review

Infectious pediatric uveitis is a rare disease that can cause severe ocular damage if not detected rapidly and treated properly. Additionally, early identification of an infection can protect the child from life-threatening systemic infection. Infectious uveitis can be congenital or acquired and may manifest as a primary ocular infection or as a reactivation. Nevertheless, publications on infectious paediatric uveitis are usually limited to a small number of patients or a case report. So far, most studies on uveitis in children have focused primarily on noninfectious uveitis, and a systematic study on infectious uveitis is lacking. In this review, we summarize the literature on infectious uveitis in pediatric populations and report on the epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical signs, diagnostic tests, and treatment. We will describe the different possible pathogens causing uveitis in childhood by microbiological group (i.e. parasites, viruses, bacteria, and fungi). We aim to contribute to early diagnosis and management of infectious pediatric uveitis, which in turn might improve not only visual outcome, but also the general health outcome.

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.

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.

Acute Retinal Necrosis: Clinical Features, Diagnostic Pitfalls, Treatment, and Outcome of an Insidious Disease in Children. Case Report and Review of the Literature

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to explore clinical features, diagnostic work-up, treatment, and outcomes of pediatric patients with acute retinal necrosis (ARN), and to propose a standardized management of this condition in childhood.

METHODS

Clinical manifestations, diagnostic work-up, and treatment of three pediatric cases with ARN were analyzed. Furthermore, a review of the literature was performed from January 1990 to November 2021, focused on 1) clinical presentation; 2) differential diagnosis, including both infectious and non-infectious conditions; 3) key role of diagnostic techniques; and 4) currently available treatments.

RESULTS

Data from 72 children with ARN (69 from literature and 3 from our center) were analyzed. The most frequent presenting symptoms were red eye resistant to topical treatment (57%) and altered vision (58%), 25 patients had bilateral involvement. In 30% a known history of herpetic infection was reported. PCR testing on anterior chamber and/or vitreous sampling was performed in 46 cases (64%) and was diagnostic in 88% of them, with herpes simplex virus (HSV) 2 being the most frequently identified pathogen (57%). All patients underwent systemic antiviral therapy (16% only oral); adjunctive intravitreal injections were performed in 21% of them.

CONCLUSIONS

ARN is a rare but severe ocular infection presenting as a panuveitis with occlusive retinal vasculitis and peripheral retinal necrosis. Varicella-zoster virus and HSV 1-2 are most frequently implicated. Due to a high incidence of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment and optic atrophy, ARN has a poor prognosis with a potentially severe impact on visual function. Although a prompt recognition is crucial to prevent complications, ARN diagnosis in children is still challenging.

Acute retinal necrosis with exudative retinal detachment in a child

Acute retinal necrosis (ARN) is a rare ocular emergency caused mainly by viral entities. ARN may be caused by Herpes zoster virus (HZV) and Herpes simplex virus (HSV), both HSV-1 and HSV-2. ARN mostly present in 20-60 years old immunocompetent adults. A 7-year-old girl presented to the eye clinic with complaints of left eye redness noted by her mother for 2-3 days. On examination with indirect ophthalmoscopy, no hypopyon was seen in either eye. In the left eye fundus view was hazy. Ultrasound B-scan performed showed exudative retinal detachment. PCR of ocular fluid was positive for HSV-1 DNA. The patient was started on topical steroids and antibiotics and systemic antivirals. In addition, she also received intravitreal ganciclovir 4 mg/0.1 mL three times under general anaesthesia. At her last follow-up, 3 years from her presentation, her right eye examination was within normal limits, and left eye showed thick vitreous bands with a posterior vitreous detachment, and left inferotemporal retinal scarring.

Traumatic hyphaema in children: a retrospective and prospective study of outcomes at an Australian paediatric centre

Objective

This study aims to evaluate the presenting characteristics, management, outcomes and complications for paediatric traumatic hyphaema in Western Australia.

Methods and Analysis

A retrospective review of medical records was conducted for consecutive patients ≤16 years of age admitted for traumatic hyphaema to Princess Margaret Hospital for Children (Perth, Australia) between January 2002 and December 2013 (n=82). From this sample, a cohort whose injury occurred ≥5 years prior attended a prospective ocular examination (n=16). Hospital records were reviewed for patient demographics, injury details, management, visual outcomes and complications. The prospective cohort underwent examination for visual and structural outcomes.

Results

Most injuries (72%) resulted from projectile objects. Angle recession was present in 53% and was associated with projectiles (p=0.002). Most eyes (81%) achieved a final visual acuity of 0.3 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) (20/40) or better. Age ≤5 years and posterior segment injury were significant predictors of final visual acuity poorer than 0.3 logMAR. At ≥5 years post-trauma, injured eyes had greater intraocular pressure (IOP) (p=0.024) and anterior chamber depth (ACD) (p=0.022) compared with sound eyes. IOP asymmetry was associated with angle recession (p=0.008) and ACD asymmetry (p=0.012).

Conclusion

Poorer visual outcomes are associated with younger age at injury and posterior segment injury. Angle recession and ACD asymmetry are associated with IOP asymmetry 5-12 years after injury.

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 (ARN) in the context of neonatal HSV-2 exposure and subconjunctival dexamethasone: case report and literature review

HSV-2 is an important cause of the acute retinal necrosis (ARN) syndrome in younger patients. We describe an atypical case of HSV-2 ARN in the context of neonatal exposure and subconjunctival steroid injection. Clinicians should be aware of the association of neonatal or congenital exposure to HSV-2 as a risk factor for this disease because early treatment may improve outcome and/or avoid involvement of both eyes.

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.

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 intravenous immunoglobulin in treatment of acute retinal necrosis

PURPOSE

To describe a case of successful treatment of acute retinal necrosis with a combination of antivirals and intravenous immunoglobulin.

METHODS

This is a case report of a 77-year-old white man diagnosed with unilateral acute retinal necrosis.

RESULTS

Combination therapy with systemic antivirals, prophylactic laser retinopexy, and intravenous immunoglobulin halted progression of retinitis and preserved visual acuity.

CONCLUSION

Acute retinal necrosis is an aggressive disease with significant risk of vision loss even when treated with appropriate therapy. In this report, the authors describe a case of successful treatment with a combination of systemic antivirals and intravenous immunoglobulin. Intraocular antiviral injection plus systemic treatment remain to be a more cost-effective option.

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.

Acute retinal necrosis caused by herpes simplex virus type 2 in a 3-year-old Japanese boy

Acute retinal necrosis (ARN), which is characterized by rapidly progressing peripheral retinal necrosis, is caused mainly by herpes simplex virus type 1, herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), or varicella-zoster virus. A previously healthy 3-year-old Japanese boy developed ARN in his left eye after being bruised by a milk container. HSV-2 DNA was detected in the aqueous humor of the affected eye. Serological testing suggested that the route of infection was from mother to child, although there was no past history of apparent HSV-2 infection. Childhood ARN has not been previously reported in Japan, possibly because of the low seroprevalence of HSV-2 in Japanese women. Pediatricians must be aware of this rare disease, which can affect individuals without a previous history of HSV even in a country with a low seroprevalence of HSV-2.

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.

Varicella zoster virus infection: clinical features, molecular pathogenesis of disease, and latency

Varicella zoster virus (VZV) is an exclusively human neurotropic alphaherpesvirus. Primary infection causes varicella (chickenpox), after which virus becomes latent in cranial nerve ganglia, dorsal root ganglia, and autonomic ganglia along the entire neuraxis. Years later, in association with a decline in cell-mediated immunity in elderly and immunocompromised individuals, VZV reactivates and causes a wide range of neurologic disease. This article discusses the clinical manifestations, treatment, and prevention of VZV infection and reactivation; pathogenesis of VZV infection; and current research focusing on VZV latency, reactivation, and animal models.

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.

Acute retinal necrosis as a late sequela of herpes simplex type 1 encephalitis in a child

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) is a common infection that occasionally presents with destructive lesions. Two of the most feared presentations of HSV are encephalitis and acute retinal necrosis. Although there are numerous reports of acute retinal necrosis presenting after HSV-2 infection in children, it has been rarely reported in children after HSV-1 infection. Herein we report a child who developed acute retinal necrosis 17 months after HSV-1 encephalitis.

Acute retinal necrosis: a national population-based study to assess the incidence, methods of diagnosis, treatment strategies and outcomes in the UK

AIM

To determine the incidence, methods of diagnosis, treatment strategies and outcomes for acute retinal necrosis (ARN) in the UK.

METHODS

A 12-month active case ascertainment study was carried out between March 2001 and March 2002 to record cases of ARN presenting to ophthalmologists via the British Ophthalmological Surveillance Unit (BOSU) reporting system. Questionnaires were sent to the reporting consultants, requesting data on patient characteristics, presentation, clinical findings, investigations and treatment. Diagnosis was made using the American Uveitis Society diagnostic criteria. Further questionnaires were sent at 2 weeks and 6 months to assess outcome and therapies.

RESULTS

74 cases of ARN were reported by 58 consultants between March 2001 and March 2002. Questionnaires were returned for 49 cases (66.2%), of which 18 (36.7%) were excluded. Of the 31 cases included, 22 (71.0%) were male and 9 (29.0%) were female. The age range was 13 to 85 years (mean 54.3 years). 28 cases (90.3%) were unilateral, with 3 patients (9.7%) presenting with bilateral ARN. An aqueous or vitreous biopsy was performed in only 18 patients, with one patient having both. Herpes viral DNA analysis was performed on all 19 biopsies, with identification of the viral DNA in 16; results from 3 biopsies were not documented. Varicella zoster virus (VZV) was the commonest cause identified in 10 patients (56%). Of the 31 subjects, 27 (87.1%) were treated for ARN with systemic antiviral treatment: with intravenous antiviral in 23 cases (85.2%) and oral antiviral in 4 cases (14.8%). 21 of these patients went on to receive oral antiviral maintenance therapy. In addition to antiviral treatment, systemic steroids were given to 16 subjects (51.6%). Surgical intervention for retinal detachment was performed on 5 patients.

CONCLUSIONS

During the 12-month study period, 31 cases of ARN met the diagnostic criteria set by the American Uveitis Society. The incidence in the UK based on this study is approximately 1 case per 1.6 to 2.0 million population per year. We have ascertained that the management of ARN throughout the UK is variable, suggesting that national guidelines would be of benefit.

Ocular herpes simplex: changing epidemiology, emerging disease patterns, and the potential of vaccine prevention and therapy

PURPOSE

To review the changing epidemiology of herpes simplex virus infection, emerging patterns of herpetic ocular disease, and the challenges and promise of herpes simplex virus vaccine therapy.

DESIGN

Perspective.

METHODS

Literature review.

RESULTS

An epidemic increase in genital herpes simplex type 2 infection is reflected in a 30% increase in HSV-2 antibodies in the United States since 1976. Approximately one in four people in the United States over age 30 is infected with HSV-2. Primary acquisition of herpes simplex type 1 is becoming progressively delayed in many industrialized countries, in contrast to developing nations where the virus is acquired early in life and is ubiquitous. Changes in sexual behavior among young adults have been associated with a recent increase in genital HSV-1 infection, resulting from oral-genital rather than genital-genital contact. Clinical trials of HSV vaccines using selected herpes simplex virus type 2 proteins mixed in adjuvant have shown limited efficacy in seronegative women, but not in men.

CONCLUSIONS

The recent epidemic of genital herpes simplex type 2 infection is likely to result in an increase in neonatal ocular herpes and in delayed cases of acute retinal necrosis syndrome. The increase in genital HSV-1 may lead to industry production of vaccines that contain components of both HSV-1 and HSV-2 targeted toward limiting genital disease and transmission. As newer herpes simplex vaccines become available, ophthalmologists must be vigilant that a boost in immunity against HSV does not have a paradoxical effect in exacerbating break-through cases that develop immune-mediated herpes simplex stromal keratitis.

Acute retinal necrosis diagnosed in a child with chronic panuveitis

BACKGROUND

To report the case of an immunocompetent child with herpes simplex virus-2 (HSV-2) acute retinal necrosis (ARN) syndrome, who was considered to have an idiopathic unilateral panuveitis sensitive to steroid treatment.

METHODS

Polymerase chain reaction for detection of viral DNA was applied to ocular fluids and in situ hybridization was performed on a retinal sample. HSV serology was performed using the ELISA and Western blot techniques, and an in-house indirect immunofluorescence technique.

RESULTS

In addition to the atypical clinical presentation, the serological assays for HSV were negative using ELISA at the time of diagnosis of ARN and 1 year after. HSV2 infection was confirmed by using polymerase chain reaction of aqueous humor specimen and in situ hybridization of a retinal biopsy. Retrospective analysis with the Western blot technique detected low titers of anti-HSV antibodies, when the sera were concentrated 5-fold.

CONCLUSION

Herpes virus infections must be investigated in children with posterior or panuveitis. PCR analysis is a reliable technique for diagnosis. This case emphasizes that clinical presentation can be atypical and that a negative viral serology does not exclude an acute or a past herpetic infection.

Bilateral acute retinal necrosis in a 12-year-old girl

Acute retinal necrosis (ARN) is a severe ocular syndrome consisting of a moderate-to-severe anterior uveitis, vasculitis, and vaso-occlusive retinal necrosis. It can occur in healthy individuals at any age, but reports of this condition in children are rare.

Herpes simplex virus type 2 acute retinal necrosis 9 years after neonatal herpes

Many cases of acute retinal necrosis caused by HSV-2 have been reported in children, teenagers, and young adults as a result of reactivation of congenital or neonatal infections, which may have been subclinical. Pediatricians should be aware of this entity and alert to recurrences that may be delayed by years.

Rétinites nécrosantes herpétiques

The diagnosis of necrotic herpetic retinitis is suggested on clinical grounds, prompting urgent appropriate intravenous and intravitreal treatment. PCR on ocular samples is most often successful in identifying the herpetic agent. Classic acute retinal necrosis syndrome caused by herpes simplex or zoster virus and the different clinical forms present in immunocompetent or immunodepressed patients are described. The differential diagnosis includes atypical presentation of retinal necrosis caused by toxoplasmosis, syphilis, or ocular lymphoma; the ocular samples are useful in establishing the etiological diagnosis. We describe the different therapeutic strategies in the acute phase and as secondary prophylactic treatment. The clinical outcome appears to be influenced by rapid, appropriate treatment, limiting the extension of the retinal necrosis.

Clinical characteristics of acute HSV-2 retinal necrosis

PURPOSE

To report the clinical features and evaluate the visual outcome of eleven cases of herpes simplex virus-2 (HSV-2) related acute retinal necrosis syndrome (ARN).

DESIGN

Retrospective interventional case series.

METHODS

Twelve eyes of eleven patients from two European centers, diagnosed with HSV-2 related acute retinal necrosis syndrome were retrospectively reviewed. Herpes simplex virus-2 DNA was detected by polymerase chain reaction in intraocular fluids (aqueous and/or vitreous). Findings at initial examination, clinical evolution with antiviral therapy, complications and final visual acuity were evaluated.

RESULTS

Herpes simplex virus-2 DNA was detected in all cases. No sample was positive for more than one virus. The mean age of disease in the first eye was 36 years (ranged from 10 to 57 years). Five patients were women and six were men. All patients were immunocompetent. Previous medical history included neonatal herpes (n = 1), previous ARN (n = 3), trauma (n = 1) and systemic corticosteroid administration before occurrence of ARN (n = 3). Preexisting pigmented chorioretinal scars were found in three cases. Patients were treated with high dose intravenous acyclovir or foscarnet +/- intravitreal ganciclovir +/- interferon. The mean follow-up was 14.5 months (from 5 to 22 months). At the end of the follow-up period, five eyes (41.7%) showed improvement of visual acuity of two or more lines. Final visual acuity was 20/60 or better in four eyes (33.3%), 20/400 or better in four eyes (33.3%) and less than 20/400 in four eyes.

CONCLUSION

History of neonatal herpes, triggering events such as neurosurgery, periocular trauma, high-dose corticosteroids, and chorioretinal scars suggest that HSV-2 retinitis reflects reactivation of HSV-2 infection.

Prise en charge diagnostique et thérapeutique des rétinites nécrosantes herpétiques

PURPOSE

To study the viral cause and present the management of necrotizing herpetic retinopathies.

METHODS

Charts of patients presenting with acute retinal necrosis (ARN) or progressive outer retinal necrosis (PORN) diagnosed between March 1997 and June 2001 were retrospectively reviewed. Intraocular specimens were obtained in 33 cases to determine the viral cause using polymerase chain reaction-based assays and/or detection of intraocular antibody production.

RESULTS

The mean age was 43.4 Years. Herpesvirus genome was identified in 29 patients (80.5%). In the ARN group (32 patients, 38 eyes), herpes simplex virus (HSV) DNA was found in 11 patients (34.4%), varicella-zoster virus (VZV) in nine patients (28.1%), and cytomegalovirus (CMV) in four patients (12.5%). One patient (3.1%) presented an Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection. ARN was bilateral at initial examination in six patients and secondary bilateralization was observed in four patients. In the PORN group (four patients, eight eyes), the retinitis was bilateral and VZV DNA was detected in all cases. Two patients were treated with intravenous acyclovir, six with foscarnet alone, ten with intravenous foscarnet + acyclovir, 18 with intravenous foscarnet and intravitreous ganciclovir injections. Complications of necrotizing herpetic retinitis were cataract (26%), optic nerve atrophy (23.9%), and retinal detachment (17.4%). Final visual acuity was less or equal to 20/200 in 47.8% of cases.

CONCLUSIONS

It is important to determine the specific viral etiology since progression and prognosis may be different in herpetic necrotizing retinitis caused by HSV, VZV, or CMV. Visual prognosis is improved by intensive antiviral therapy, but remains poor if complications occur.