Acute Retinal Necrosis: Case Report

Abstract

30-year-old woman was admitted with complaints of decreased vision and pain in the left eye for the previous seven days. Visual acuity was 1.0 on the right eye and 0,2 on the left eye. Ophthalmologic examination of the left eye revealed conjunctival hyperemia, 3+ cellular reaction in the anterior chamber, diffuse keratic precipitates, 2 + cellular reaction in the vitreous. In fundoscopic examination, multiple retinal hemorrhages and foci of retinal necrosis were detected in peripheral retina with arteriolitis. The examination of the right eye was normal. The patient was admitted with the diagnosis of acute retinal necrosis and received intravenous acyclovir for ten days (10 mg/kg/day). After 48 h of antiviral therapy, systemic corticosteroid therapy (prednisolone 1 mg/kg/day) was introduced and tapered over eight weeks. Prophylactic barrier laser photocoagulation was performed in the areas of retina at the posterior borders of the necrotic lesion. During follow-up, the inflammation decreased and the patient did not have retinal detachment or other eye involvement. Acute retinal necrosis (ARN) is a syndrome with severe loss of vision and its diagnosis mostly depends on clinical appearance. ARN can be taken under control by the correct diagnosis and effective treatment. Visual prognosis can be better after the treatment and the involvement of the other eye can be prevented. Key words: Acute Retinal Necrosis; Acyclovir; Prognosis.