Abstract
BackgroundFew 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.MethodsWe 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.ResultAn 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.ConclusionHSV-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.
Highlights
Acute retinal necrosis (ARN) syndrome is a viral infectious disease, clinically characterized by severe and extensive uveitis, vitritis, retinal vasculitis, retinal necrosis, and retinal detachment, which in combination indicate an advanced disease stage [1]
We present a child with ARN, viral encephalitis, and herpes simplex virus-2 (HSV-2) infection and a literature review of HSV-2 ARN in children
We present a case report of ARN with viral encephalitis in an immunocompetent child with HSV-2 infection
Summary
Acute retinal necrosis (ARN) syndrome is a viral infectious disease, clinically characterized by severe and extensive uveitis, vitritis, retinal vasculitis, retinal necrosis, and retinal detachment, which in combination indicate an advanced disease stage [1]. ARN has an acute onset and rapid progression, and can develop at all ages. ARN is relatively more common in adults than. HSV-2 Related Pediatric ARN in children [2]. We present a child with ARN, viral encephalitis, and herpes simplex virus-2 (HSV-2) infection and a literature review of HSV-2 ARN in children. 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
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