Laser photocoagulation in the acute retinal necrosis syndrome
D. P. Han, H. Lewis, G. A. Williams, W. F. Mieler, G. W. Abrams and T. M. Aaberg
Acute retinal necrosis (ARN) is a syndrome of fulminant necrotizing
vaso-occlusive retinitis associated with a high incidence of retinal
detachment due to retinal breaks and vitreous traction. We performed argon
or krypton laser photo-coagulation to demarcate areas of active retinitis
as prophylaxis against retinal detachment in five patients with ARN.
Patients were concomitantly treated with antiviral agents, systemic
steroids, and antiplatelet therapy. One patient required multiple
additional treatments as retinal necrosis progressed. The retinas remained
attached in all five patients over a mean follow-up period of 15 months. By
creating a chorioretinal adhesion in areas of potential retinal break
formation, laser photocoagulation may be an effective prophylaxis against
retinal detachment in ARN.
