ACUTE RETINAL NECROSIS - A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY OF 14 EYES IN 11 PATIENTS

Purpose The authors present a retrospective study of fourteen eyes of eleven patients suffering from acute retinal necrosis syndrome (ARN) a nd compare the results with previously published data. Material and me thods All patients were referred to us between 1985 and 1993. The resu lts of initial examination, the epidemiological and aetiologic data, a s well as the clinical course and treatment are summarized in two tabl es. Results First clinical examination found a prominent ocular inflam matory reaction, several sites of peripheral retinal nemesis and one r etinal vasculopathy. Bilateralisation occurred in 28 % of the patients . An optic neuropathy developed in 57 % of the cases, and a retinal de tachment in 78 %. Initial examination and data on the clinical course are discussed and compared with those described in the literature. Con clusion The results of the current study are representative of the var ious clinical and biological profiles of acute retinal necrosis and ar e similar to those described in previous publications. Earlier care in specialized departments of ophthalmology should allow a better anatom ical and functional prognosis in the future.