Purpose: The authors present a retrospective study of fourteen eyes of eleven patients suffering from acute retinal necrosis syndrome (ARN) and compare the results with previously published data.
Material and methods: All patients were referred to us between 1985 and 1993. The results of initial examination, the epidemiological and aetiologic data, as well as the clinical course and treatment are summarized in two tables.
Results: First clinical examination found a prominent ocular inflammatory reaction, several sites of peripheral retinal necrosis and one retinal vasculopathy. Bilateralisation occurred in 28% of the patients. An optic neuropathy developed in 57% of the cases, and a retinal detachment in 78%. Initial examination and data on the clinical course are discussed and compared with those described in the literature.
Conclusion: The results of the current study are representative of the various clinical and biological profiles of acute retinal necrosis and are similar to those described in previous publications. Earlier care in specialized departments of ophthalmology should allow a better anatomical and functional prognosis in the future.