Acute retinal necrosis presenting exudative retinal detachment: a case report

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Acute retinal necrosis (ARN) is a severe viral retinitis that can lead to retinal detachment, but exudative retinal detachment (ERD) is a rare early manifestation.
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A 43-year-old woman presented with acute blurred vision and ocular pain, initially diagnosed with ERD without clear evidence of retinal necrosis.
3

Metagenomic testing confirmed varicella zoster virus (VZV) infection after characteristic retinal necrotic lesions appeared following corticosteroid treatment.
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The patient received aggressive antiviral therapy, including intravenous acyclovir and intravitreal ganciclovir, leading to resolution of retinal detachment.
5

This case highlights the importance of considering viral infections in uveitis patients with ERD who do not respond to initial anti-inflammatory treatments.

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