Short-term oral albendazole therapy for diffuse unilateral subacute neuroretinitis: A case report

Abstract

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.

Keywords

• Diffuse unilateral subacute neuroretinitis
• DUSN
• Toxocara
• Albendazole