Abstract
Abstract: :
Purpose: The goal of this study is to evaluate the characteristics of HSV2 related ARN in 10 patients. Methods:Patients referred between 1998 and 2001 with a diagnosis of ARN based on the clinical criteria of the American Uveitis Society were retrospectively reviewed. Polymerase-chain-reaction (PCR) was performed on aqueous and/or vitreous specimens to detect DNA from Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV-1, HSV-2), Cytomegalovirus (CMV) and Varicella-zoster virus (VZV). Results:We reported 10 patients with HSV-2 ARN among 34 immunocompetent patients presenting with ARN. There were six women and four men, mean age was 37 years (range from 10 to 57 years). HSV2-DNA was detected by PCR in 8 aqueous and 2 vitreous specimens from these10 patients. No sample was positive for CMV, HSV-1or VZV. DNA One patient was diagnosed with a positive intraocular antibody production to HSV-2. These 10 patients were all immunocompetent. Initial visual acuity was ranging from count fingers to 20/20 and final acuity ranged from light perception to 20/20. Five patients had a final visual acuity of 20/200 or less. Mean delay time of treatment after presentation of symptoms was 5 days. Three patients developed a retinal detachment and one had a cystoid macular edema Conclusion: We observed 10 patients with HSV2 related ARN among 34 immunocompetent patients with ARN (29,4%).The visual outcome of HSV-2 related ARN was poor. PCR-based assay including HSV2 in addition to HSV1 , VZV and CMV from aqueous and/or vitreous specimens should routinely be included in the work-up of ARN
Keywords: 568 retinitis • 437 inflammation • 612 uveitis-clinical/animal model