Progressive Outer Retinal Necrosis Presenting as Cherry Red Spot

Abstract

Purpose: To report a case of progressive outer retinal necrosis (PORN) presenting as a cherry red spot.

Methods: Case report.

Results: A 53-year-old woman with recently diagnosed HIV and varicella-zoster virus (VZV) aseptic meningitis developed rapid sequential vision loss in both eyes over 2 months. Her exam showed a “cherry red spot” in both maculae with peripheral atrophy and pigmentary changes, consistent with PORN. Due to her late presentation and the rapid progression of her condition, she quickly developed end-stage vision loss in both eyes.

Conclusions: PORN should be considered within the differential diagnosis of a “cherry red spot.” Immune-deficient patients with a history of herpetic infection who present with visual loss warrant prompt ophthalmological evaluation.

KEYWORDS::

• Progressive outer retinal necrosis
• PORN
• Cherry red spot
• Herpes zoster

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.