Acute Macular Neuroretinopathy Mediated by COVID-19 Infection: Insights into its Clinical Features and Pathogenesis.

Abstract

Acute macular neuroretinopathy (AMN) is a rare retinal condition that predominantly affects young females. The incidence of AMN increased significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic, thereby providing a unique opportunity to elucidate the etiology of this disease. In the present study, 24 articles reporting 59 patients were reviewed. The average age of the patients was 33.51 ± 14.02 years, ranging from 16 to 75 years, with females comprising 71.19% of the cases. The average duration of ocular symptoms post-infection was 8.22 ± 10.69 days, ranging from 4 to 150 days. This study investigated the potential pathogenesis of AMN, including the impact of COVID-19 on retinal neurovascular structure and function, immune-mediated inflammatory factor production, blood-retinal barrier disruption, and retinal microvascular damage, as well as potential clinical therapeutic interventions. This research provides a theoretical framework that can inform further investigations of AMN.