HomeDiseaseAcute Retinal Necrosis from Reactivation of Varicella Zoster Virus following BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 Vaccination

Acute Retinal Necrosis from Reactivation of Varicella Zoster Virus following BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 Vaccination

December 5, 2021

Ocul Immunol Inflamm. 2021 Dec 1:1-3. doi: 10.1080/09273948.2021.2001540. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To report a case of acute retinal necrosis (ARN) due to varicella zoster virus (VZV) after COVID-19 vaccine administration.

DESIGN/METHODS: Observational case report.

RESULT: A 62-year-old immunocompetent African American male presented with left eye redness, decreased vision, and floaters after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine seven days prior. Slit-lamp examination revealed diffuse fine endothelial keratic precipitates. Funduscopic examination was notable for vitreous cells, occlusive retinal vasculitis, large retinal hemorrhages, and three quadrants of peripheral areas of retinal whitening. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction testing was positive for varicella zoster virus in the vitreous humor. Treatment with intravitreal and intravenous antiviral therapy resulted in symptomatic improvement.

CONCLUSION: COVID-19 mRNA vaccination may cause an immunomodulatory response that leads to reactivation of dormant VZV. Early recognition and treatment can improve visual outcomes.

PMID:34851795 | DOI:10.1080/09273948.2021.2001540

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About The Author

Patrick Blanchard MD

Meet Dr. Blanchard Dr. Blanchard’s medical practice is an embodiment of Integrative health which brings conventional and complementary approaches together in a coordinated way. Conveniently located in sunny Florida and over the internet with ValiseMD’s secure HIPPA compliant telXmed servers. Since 1994, patients with a wide range of challenging medical problems have achieved optimum health using the best of natural medicine, judiciously combined with high-tech innovations. Breakthroughs are often achieved even after patients have consulted mainstream specialists and holistic practitioners. Dr. Blanchard is founder and CEO of ValiseMD, Inc. He is board certified in Family Medicine since 1994 and awarded Fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians in 2001. He received the ‘Teacher of the Year’ award from the University of Kansas School of Medicine at completion of his residency in Family Medicine. He completed a fellowship at Wake Forest University in the field of vascular neurosonology. He holds a medical patent in the field of Gastroenterology. He holds an unrestricted license to practice medicine and surgery in Florida. He started his medical career as a Emergency Medical Technician, then as a Paramedic and later a Medical Doctor.