2006, Number 4
Bilateral retinitis due to the varicella-zoster virus. A report of a case
Flores CH, Cabrera RLI, Flores E
Language: Spanish
References: 8
Page: 351-355
PDF size: 229.07 Kb.
ABSTRACT
Acute retinal necrosis syndrome is a rare disease and it is characterized by clinical findings, such as: moderate to severe uveitis and vitritis, severe occlusive vasculitis of the retinal arteries, and progressive peripheral retinal necrosis, with retinal detachment. It is presented in patients between 20 to 50 years-old. It is thought that its origin is an infection reactivation, but it has been documented an immunological response to the virus as the trigger cause. It occurs during or six weeks after an herpes virus infection. We present the case of a 16 years-old patient that had sudden bilateral amaurosis only preceded by headache and bilateral red eyes. It was reported a bilateral retinitis with posterior retinal detachment and papilledema. Laboratory exams included: cultures, TORCH tests, lumbar punctions, computed tomography, and cerebral magnetic resonance, which were reported as normal. It was assessed the only precedent of infection by varicella-zoster virus, a month before, and we began treatment with acyclovir, prednisone, and acetylsalicylic acid. Through serology it was documented the presence of antibodies against varicella-zoster virus. The patient recovered the sight in a progressive and satisfactory way, and after 10 days her visual acuity was of 20/50. After a month of treatment she had limitation of the retinal damage, reduction of antibody levels, and visual acuity of 20/40. Treatment lasted 18 weeks.REFERENCES