Further observations concerning the diffuse unilateral subacute neuroretinitis syndrome

Arch Ophthalmol. 1983 Nov;101(11):1689-97. doi: 10.1001/archopht.1983.01040020691004.

Abstract

Diffuse unilateral subacute neuroretinitis (DUSN) is a clinical syndrome characterized early by visual loss, vitritis, papillitis, and recurrent crops of gray-white retinal lesions and later by progressive visual loss, optic atrophy, retinal vessel narrowing, and diffuse pigment epithelial degeneration. Evidence is presented that it is caused by a nematode that is probably not Toxocara canis; that at least two nematodes of different sizes are involved; that there are at least two endemic areas for the disease; that these areas are related to the size of the nematode; that the nematode may remain viable in the eye for three years or longer and cause progressive ocular damage; that thiabendazole and diethylcarbamazine citrate are ineffective therapeutically; and that photocoagulation is effective in destroying the nematode. Surgical excision of the nematode was attempted in two patients.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Electroretinography
  • Eye / parasitology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Light Coagulation
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Nematoda / growth & development
  • Nematode Infections / complications*
  • Optic Atrophy / etiology
  • Optic Nerve Diseases / diagnosis
  • Optic Nerve Diseases / etiology*
  • Optic Nerve Diseases / therapy
  • Retinal Diseases / diagnosis
  • Retinal Diseases / etiology*
  • Retinal Diseases / therapy
  • Syndrome
  • Visual Acuity