Pattern of Acute Retinal Necrosis in a Referral Center in Tunisia, North Africa. (3rd September 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Khochtali, Sana; Abroug, Nesrine; Kahloun, Rim; Ksiaa, Imen; Nahdi, Imen; Zaouali, Sonia; Ben Yahia, Salim; Khairallah, Moncef
• Is Part Of: Ocular immunology and inflammation. Volume 23:Number 5(2015)
• Page Start: 371
• Page End: 377
• Publication Date: 2015-09-03
• Subjects: Acute retinal necrosis -- herpes simplex virus -- herpes zoster virus -- North Africa -- polymerase chain reaction -- retinal detachment; Eye -- Diseases -- Immunological aspects -- Periodicals; Eye -- Inflammation -- Periodicals; 617.7
• DOI: 10.3109/09273948.2014.925125
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0927-3948

Abstract

Abstract: Purpose : To describe the pattern of acute retinal necrosis (ARN) syndrome in a referral center in Tunisia. Methods : Retrospective review of the charts of 12 patients (12 eyes). Results : Necrotizing retinitis involved >50% of the retina in 33.3% of eyes. Polymerase chain reaction on aqueous humor sample identified herpes simplex virus-1 in 4 eyes (33.3%) and varicella zoster virus in 3 eyes (25%), and was negative in 5 eyes (41.7%). All patients received intravenous acyclovir, followed by oral antivirals. Follow-up ranged from 6 to 16 months. Retinal detachment (RD) occurred in 3 eyes (25%), but no patient developed bilateral ARN. Final visual acuity was 20/200 or worse in 7 eyes (58.3%). Delay in diagnosis ( p = 0.015), macular involvement ( p = 0.045), development of RD ( p = 0.018), and 25–50% of retinal involvement ( p = 0.045) were associated with a worse visual outcome. Conclusion : ARN carries poor visual prognosis in Tunisia.