Gene/Protein Disease Symptom Drug Enzyme Compound
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Query: UMLS:C0086543 (cataract)
 29,165 document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)

Progressive outer retinal necrosis (PORN) syndrome is a form of the Varicella zoster virus (VZV) chorioretinitis found almost exclusively in people with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). This destructive infection has an extremely rapid course that may lead to no light perception in affected eyes within days or weeks. Attempts at its treatment have had limited success. Rhegmatogenous retinal detachments often occur after the development of atrophic retinal holes, and silicone oil temponade has been found to be the most successful reattachment procedure. Unfortunately, cataract formation is common after such surgery. PORN needs to be differentiated from acute retinal necrosis (ARN) syndrome, a necrotizing retinitis that can also be caused by VZV. PORN and ARN are found at opposite ends of the spectrum of necrotizing herpetic retinopathies (NHR), where its clinical presentation depends upon immune system status. After a brief case presentation, the distinguishing clinical characteristics of PORN, its differentiation from ARN, attempts at its treatment, the role of the immune system status on its clinical appearance and treatment, and management of complications such as retinal detachment and subsequent cataracts are discussed.
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PMID:Progressive outer retinal necrosis syndrome: a comprehensive review of its clinical presentation, relationship to immune system status, and management. 1113 26

A retired woman with left ophthalmic shingles of over 2 years' duration attended with bilateral vision loss and systemic upset. Acute retinal necrosis with detachment was detected on right fundus examination. Cataract in left eye precluded funduscopy. Ocular ultrasonography revealed fibrotic retinal detachment in the left eye. MRI brain and orbits also showed signals of retinal detachment. No abnormal MRI signal within the optic nerve or brain was found. Varicella zoster virus was detected in ocular aqueous and blood samples. High-dose intravenous acyclovir was administered. HIV test was positive with a very low CD4 count. Antiretroviral medications were prescribed. There was no recovery of vision. She was certified as blind, and social services were involved in seeking to provide alterations to her home in view of her severe disability. This case highlights the importance of suspecting HIV in patients with severe or chronic ophthalmic shingles. Images and implications for clinical practice are presented.
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PMID:Sequential retinal necrosis secondary to varicella zoster in unrecognised long-standing HIV infection: patient safety report. 2956 25