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.