A Case of Acute Retinal Necrosis Associated with Reactivation of Varicella Zoster Virus after COVID-19 Vaccination

ABSTRACT

Purpose

To report a case of acute retinal necrosis (ARN) after receiving COVID-19 vaccination.

Methods

A case report

Results

A 78-year-old man complained of blurred vision and floaters in the right eye 2 days after receiving BNT162b2 mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccine and was referred to our hospital with worsening visual acuity after 7 days. He had no systemic symptoms and no history of systemic diseases. Ophthalmic examination revealed white-yellowish placoid lesions spreading to the entire circumference of the retina, and temporal and upper lesions extending to the posterior pole, although anterior inflammation and vitreous opacity were mild. Diagnostic and therapeutic vitrectomy was performed, and VZV-DNA was detected by comprehensive PCR using a vitreous fluid sample. The ocular inflammation subsided by systemic administration of antivirals and corticosteroids. However, total retinal detachment requiring repeat vitrectomy using silicone oil occurred after the second vaccination.

Conclusion

ARN associated with VZV reactivation may develop after SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccination.

KEYWORDS:

• COVID-19
• acute retinal necrosis
• varicella zoster virus
• vaccination

Acknowledgments

The requirement for informed consent was waived by the ethics committee of the National Defense Medical College.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

The author(s) reported that there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.