Published Paper Details:

Purpose: To report an unusual case of ARN syndrome during primary varicella infection in an adult. Methods: A 33-year-old man with a history of a recent primary varicella infection transmitted by his son, consulting with redness, pain and reduced visual acuity in the right eye. The eye examination revealed a panuveitis with a whitish retinal focus, located at the extreme periphery. VZV serology shows positive anti-VZV antibody. The search for the chickenpox genome in aqueous humor also came back positive. Results: Given the context, the diagnosis of varicella panuveitis retinal necrosis is therefore established. The patient is put on oral valaciclovir (1g every 8 hours), topical corticosteroids and mydriatic eye drops. The evolution is marked by regression of inflammation, the gradual improvement of visual acuity up to 20/20 and healing of the necrotic lesion. Conclusion: Earlier diagnosis and effective treatment improves the prognosis of ocular inflammation. In the context of chickenpox with ocular manifestations, acute retinal necrosis should be rigorously investigated. A dilated fundus with a good examination of the retinal periphery is essential.