Vitreous Surgery for Retinal Detachment associated with Acute Retinal Necrosis Syndrome

ABSTRACT

The acute retinal necrosis syndrome(ARN) is characterized by acute peripheral necrotizing retinitis, occlusive arteritis, and panuveitis. ARN is often complicated by late retinal detachment and a poor visual outcome. We describe herein a series of 4 consecutive patients(5 eyes) with ARN, complicated by retinal detachment. A patient with bilateral ARN(case 1) underwent prophylactic vitrectomy, 360 degrees scleral buckling, and intravitreal injection of acyclovir on the right eye while the retina was attached. Subsequently, the retina became detached. The retina was successfully reattached by performing fluid-gas exchange and laser photocoagulation. Argon laser photocoagulation was performed as a prophylaxis to prevent retinal detachment in two eyes. However, the two retinas subsequently detached. The two eyes were treated with vitrectomy, 360 degrees scleral buckling, fluid-gas exchange, and endolaser photocoagulation. Remaining two eyes required vitrectomy, silicone oil injection, and endolaser photocoagulation with(case 3) or without(case 4) 360 degrees scleral buckling. The retinas remined attached in all five eyes with no additional treatment. Four eyes achieved a visual acutiy of 0.1 or better. One had a final visual acuity of FC/40cm because of macular pucker and optic nerve atrophy.