Acute retinal necroses (ARN), also known as acute retinal necrosis syndrome, is a rare and severe form of uveitis that leads to inflammation and rapid destruction of the retinal tissue. It is characterized by the presence of multiple peripheral retinal necrotic lesions that are often associated with intraocular inflammation. ARN primarily affects adults, typically individuals in their 40s or 50s, and is more commonly observed in immunocompromised individuals, such as those with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection or undergoing organ transplantation.
The condition typically manifests with symptoms such as sudden onset of floaters, blurry vision, photophobia (sensitivity to light), and pain in or around the affected eye. The rapidly progressive necrotic lesions can lead to severe vision loss, retinal detachment, or even total blindness if left untreated.
The etiology of ARN is often associated with viral infections, particularly herpes viruses such as herpes simplex virus (HSV) and varicella-zoster virus (VZV). However, other viruses like cytomegalovirus (CMV) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) have also been implicated in some cases. The exact mechanism by which the viruses cause retinal necrosis is not completely understood.
Treatment of acute retinal necroses typically involves a combination of systemic antiviral medications such as acyclovir, valacyclovir, or ganciclovir, along with corticosteroids to control the inflammatory response. Prompt initiation of treatment is crucial to prevent further damage to the retina and improve visual outcomes.
Regular and long-term follow-up care is necessary for individuals with acute retinal necroses due to the risk of recurrent episodes and potential complications, such as retinal
