Optic neuropathy and central retinal vascular obstruction as initial manifestations of acute retinal necrosis.
BACKGROUND
The purpose of this brief communication is to alert ophthalmologists that optic neuropathy may herald acute retinal necrosis (ARN).


METHODS
A previously healthy 54-year-old man exhibited optic neuropathy as an initial presentation of ARN, 8 weeks after varicella-zoster dermatitis.


METHODS
Central retinal vascular obstruction developed subsequently in his left eye. Later, the classic presentation of ARN appeared in his contralateral eye. Systemic acyclovir therapy stopped the progression of retinitis and resulted in healing of retinal lesions in his right eye.


CONCLUSIONS
This case suggests that optic neuropathy, especially with preceding herpetic dermatitis, should be suspected as the prodrome of ARN.
Kang
S W
SW
Department of Ophthalmology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul, South Korea.
Kim
S K
SK
D000212:Acyclovir / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003872:Dermatitis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000821:virology; D006562:Herpes Zoster / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009901:Optic Nerve Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000821:virology; D015356:Retinal Artery Occlusion / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000821:virology; D015882:Retinal Necrosis Syndrome, Acute / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000821:virology; D012170:Retinal Vein Occlusion / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000821:virology
D000998:Antiviral Agents; D000212:Acyclovir