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The term retinopathy has been used to group several heterogeneous retinal abnormalities that are clearly acquired or are suspected/proposed to be inherited. Some share characteristic focal/multifocal hyperreflective tapetal lesions with a dark center, and areas of non‐tapetal depigmentation suggestive of patchy or diffuse outer retinal atrophy. Progression is variable, and some develop unilateral or bilateral fundus changes resembling the clearly inherited form of retinal degeneration referred to as PRA. In this Commentary and Review, we discuss the role of ocular larva migrans resulting in the entity we refer to as canine DUSN and suggest that it may be responsible for some of the retinal findings grouped under the retinopathy rubric that share this characteristic fundus lesion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To report on a case of diffuse unilateral subacute neuroretinitis (DUSN) that was successfully treated with a short course of oral albendazole. Observations: A 51-year-old male presented with severe visual loss secondary to DUSN associated with a positive Toxocara serology. Because the parasite could not be detected on fundoscopy, first-line treatment with photocoagulation could not be administered. Treatment with a 6-day course of oral albendazole resulted in the resolution of DUSN as well as the restoration of visual acuity. Conclusion and importance: Although DUSN is characterized by the presence of a parasitic organism in the retina, there are cases in which the parasite is not visible. Albendazole has been used to treat such cases, but a standard treatment regimen has not been determined yet. Our case suggests that the resolution of DUSN can be achieved with short-term albendazole therapy.

Purpose: To report a case of ocular dirofilariasis causing extensive chorio-retinal damage. Method: Surgical removal of the worm and identification of the same by microscopic examinationand polymerase chain reaction. Results: The worm was identified as Dirofilaria repens. Conclusion: Ocular dirofilariasis is an arthropod borne parasitic infestation affecting the subconjunctival tissue and anterior chamber. Vitreous involvement in Dirofilaria is very rare. Dirofilaria repens can cause extensive chorio-retinal damage resembling diffuse unilateralsubacute neuroretinitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Diffuse unilateral subacute neuroretinitis (DUSN) is often a challenging diagnosis to make. We present a DUSN case with its multimodal imaging to aid in the diagnosis, emphasizing the observations on optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). Observations: The evolution of a DUSN case is presented. Fundus photography and OCTA aided in the identification of the nematode. Conclusions and importance: DUSN is a difficult diagnosis to establish. We report the first case to our knowledge in which OCTA aided in the diagnosis of DUSN.

Diffuse unilateral subacute neuroretinitis is an ocular infectious disease caused by several distinct nematodes. Definite identification of the involved nematodes is rarely achieved. We report on the molecular-based genetic identification of an Ancylostoma ceylanicum hookworm implicated in a case of diffuse unilateral subacute neuroretinitis in a child.

Purpose: To show that diffuse unilateral subacute neuroretinitis (DUSN) may masquerade as multiple evanescent white dot syndrome, and to describe structural and functional recovery following treatment in DUSN. Design: Case report. Methods: Baseline and serial optical coherence tomography (OCT) and perimetry following photocoagulation of nematode. Results: After laser treatment, the inner segment-outer segment (IS-OS) junction was restored and the visual field was improved. Conclusions: DUSN, early on, can be mistaken for other inflammatory white dot syndromes. OCT and perimetry, in combination, provide strong support for success of treatment with photocoagulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A parasite is a living organism that receives some of its basic nutritional requirements through intimate contact with another living organism. When the parasite reaches the eye, ocular complications occur due to mechanical, immunologic, or allergic reactions. When an ophthalmologist detects a parasite in the eye, it is often difficult to identify the exact organism. Lack of methodological uniformity in management of ocular parasitosis emphasizes the need for standardization, including construction of a management algorithm. Knowledge on immunoreactivity in systemic parasitology has grown remarkably, but translational research from bench to bedside needs to be improved. Newer molecular diagnostic techniques are essential for ophthalmic application. Many parasitic worms are developing resistance to available drugs, necessitating discovery of the next generation of anti-parasitic agents. The aim of this review is to understand the existing literature on ocular parasitosis, to highlight diagnostic and therapeutic advances, and to analyze the management algorithm on ocular parasitosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe the first two cases of diffuse unilateral subacute neuroretinitis (DUSN) in the UK successfully treated with albendazole. Two patients are described who presented with unilateral reduction in vision, with clusters of yellow-white retinal lesions fading and reappearing in new locations of the fundus over a period of weeks. Based on the clinical picture, the diagnosis of DUSN was made, even though no subretinal worm could be found. Both patients were treated with albendazole 400 mg daily for 30 days. After 4 weeks the vision in the affected eye improved to 6/9 in each patient and the retinal lesions resolved completely. Over a follow-up period of 28 months and 13 months respectively, there was no recurrence of any lesion and the vision was maintained. DUSN is a sight-threatening disease and the preservation of vision relies on early diagnosis and treatment. Laser photocoagulation of the worm is the treatment of choice, but this was not possible in either case, as no worm could be found; however, oral albendazole proved to be a safe and effective alternative treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To report a case of DUSN from the Indian subcontinent and emphasize the importance of immediate photocoagulation. Review of case record. The referring ophthalmologist had photographed the subretinal worm but had not undertaken laser photocoagulation. On presentation to us the patient had features typical of DUSN but no worm could be detected despite repeated examinations. Failure to localize the worm at subsequent examinations resulted in only partial recovery of vision. Whenever the nematode is detected, immediate laser photocoagulation of the worm is necessary as the migratory worm may be difficult to identify later on. This is necessary to prevent the otherwise natural decline in vision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and objective: To evaluate the visual outcome following direct laser photocoagulation of the worm in patients with late-stage diffuse unilateral subacute neuroretinitis (DUSN). Patients and methods: The study reports on 22 DUSN patients diagnosed in its late stage, in whom the worm was identified and subsequently destroyed by laser photocoagulation. Information gathered included initial and final visual acuities and length of follow-up. Statistical analysis was performed with the Paired Student’s t-Test. A pvalue of less than 0.05 was considered significant. Results: After a mean follow-up of 13.1 months, visual acuity improved in 2 patients, remained unchanged in 19 patients and decreased in one patient. Comparison of the visual outcome before and after laser treatment was not statistically significant ( p = 0.302). Conclusion: Destruction of the worm by laser photocoagulation in eyes with late-stage DUSN does not improve the visual acuity of affected patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diffuse unilateral subacute neuroretinitis is an ocular infectious disease caused by several distinct nematodes. Definite identification of the involved nematodes is rarely achieved. We report on the molecular-based genetic identification of an Ancylostoma ceylanicum hookworm implicated in a case of diffuse unilateral subacute neuroretinitis in a child.