Diffuse unilateral subacute neuroretinitis in Europe.
BACKGROUND
Diffuse unilateral subacute neuroretinitis is thought to be caused by a solitary helminth migrating within the subretinal space. Laser photocoagulation of the located worm is the preferred mode of therapy.


METHODS
We describe the clinical and electrophysiological features of a case of a 15-year-old Caucasian male with a longstanding diffuse unilateral subacute neuroretinitis (DUSN), in whom two worms were seen in the fundus examination. Focal photocoagulation of the worms was applied as treatment.


RESULTS
No signs of inflammation could be seen after treatment. Three months later, the patient was doing well. Follow-up examination 4 years later revealed an unchanged fundus appearance in the affected eye, with no evidence of progression of the syndrome.


CONCLUSIONS
If a worm is identified in DUSN, focal laser treatment of the located area is the treatment of choice, regardless of whether fundus changes suggest late stages of the disease. However, the eye of the patient should be thoroughly examined to rule out the presence of more than one worm that might cause the failure of therapy.
Harto
M A
MA
Department of Ophthalmology, La Fe University Hospital, Valencia, Spain.
Rodriguez-Salvador
V
V
Aviñó
J A
JA
Duch-Samper
A M
AM
Menezo
J L
JL
D000208:Acute Disease; D000293:Adolescent; D004596:Electroretinography; D005060:Europe; D015822:Eye Infections, Parasitic / Q000469:parasitology / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D005451:Fluorescein Angiography; D005654:Fundus Oculi; D006801:Humans; D017075:Laser Coagulation; D008297:Male; D009902:Optic Neuritis / Q000469:parasitology* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D012173:Retinitis / Q000469:parasitology* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D014792:Visual Acuity