Acute retinal necrosis in primary herpes simplex virus type I 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.

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.

Immune response of T cells during herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) infection

Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), a neurotropic member of the alphaherpes virus family, is among the most prevalent and successful human pathogens. HSV-1 can cause serious diseases at every stage of life including fatal disseminated disease in newborns, cold sores, eye disease, and fatal encephalitis in adults. HSV-1 infection can trigger rapid immune responses, and efficient inhibition and clearance of HSV-1 infection rely on both the innate and adaptive immune responses of the host. Multiple strategies have been used to restrict host innate immune responses by HSV-1 to facilitate its infection in host cells. The adaptive immunity of the host plays an important role in inhibiting HSV-1 infections. The activation and regulation of T cells are the important aspects of the adaptive immunity. They play a crucial role in host-mediated immunity and are important for clearing HSV-1. In this review, we examine the findings on T cell immune responses during HSV-1 infection, which hold promise in the design of new vaccine candidates for HSV-1.

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 after Boston type I keratoprosthesis

A case report of a 68-year-old male who developed acute retinal necrosis (ARN) after Boston type I keratoprosthesis is presented. The procedure was performed for multiple graft failure secondary to herpetic keratitis. Clinical data including visual acuity, color fundus photography, fluorescein angiography, laboratory tests findings, and management are presented. After exclusion of other causes by laboratory workup, the patient was diagnosed with ARN most likely secondary to herpetic infection. Intravenous acyclovir and oral prednisolone were administered to the patient resulting in marked improvement in visual acuity and regression in the size of the retinitis. The patient eventually developed a soft eye and choroidal detachment with light perception vision. In patients with a history of herpetic keratitis or keratouveitis, it is highly advisable to maintain prophylactic systemic antiviral treatment before and after any ocular procedure such as the Boston keratoprosthesis.