Bilateral acute retinal necrosis that followed unilateral optic neuropathy.
- Author:
Sang Kook KIM
1
;
Se Woong KANG
Author Information
1. Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Korea.
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Acute retinal necrosis;
Optic neuropathy;
Varicella-zoster
- MeSH:
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome;
Acyclovir;
Dermatitis;
Diagnosis;
Herpes Zoster;
Humans;
Middle Aged;
Optic Nerve Diseases*;
Prognosis;
Retinal Necrosis Syndrome, Acute*;
Retinaldehyde;
Retinitis
- From:Journal of the Korean Ophthalmological Society
2001;42(10):1504-1508
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
PURPOSE: There have been several reports of optic neuropathy preceding acute retinal necrosis(ARN) in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. We report one case of bilateral ARN that followed unilateral optic neuropathy in otherwise healthy person. METHODS: We report on a previous healthy 54-year old man who developed unilateral optic neuropathy 8 weeks after varicella-zoster dermatitis. Central retinal vascular obstruction developed subsequently in his ipsilateral eye. Later on, classic presentation of ARN appeared in his contralateral eye. RESULTS: The patient was diagnosed with bilateral ARN that followed unilateral optic neuropathy. Intravenous acyclovir stopped the progression of retinitis and resulted in healing of retinal lesions. CONCLUSIONS: ARN is a visually devastating clinical syndrome of which prompt diagnosis and early treatment are important in improvement the overall prognosis. This case suggests that optic neuropathy, especially with preceding shingles, should be suspected as prodrome of ARN which necessitates prompt initiation of antiviral therapy.
