Bilateral acute retinal necrosis with encephalitis in a premature infant

Introduction: Neonatal herpes infections can be extremely severe and their early recognition allows for appropriate management and increases the child’s chances of survival. Case description: We report the case of a premature infant born by vaginal delivery and transferred to intensive care after neonatal misadaptation. Examination of the fundus revealed lesions of acute bilateral retinal necrosis, strongly suggesting a herpetic etiology. Conclusions: This case highlights the clinical benefit of an ophthalmologic exam in newborns with equivocal brain lesions. Herein, the fundus examination allowed for high suspicion of herpes virus infection.