[ XXXX caused by the hairs of the bird spider (family Theraphosidae) or hairy megalomorph (known in the US as tarantula)--case report and review of the literature].

@entity1 @entity32 @entity1596 @entity735 @entity230 @entity3225
BACKGROUND: Bird spiders, known in the US as tarantulas, are large hairy spiders that have become increasingly popular as pets in the Western world. We present a @entity1 with a red irritated eye from exposure to the hairs of a spider of the Theraphosidae family, and review the literature. @entity1 AND METHODS: We report on a 28-year old @entity1 who was referred to our clinic with a red irritated eye following playing with a Chilean rose-haired bird spider (known in the US as tarantula). In addition, we reviewed the literature concerning similar cases using the Medline database and cited literature in the retrieved articles. RESULTS: Our @entity1 displayed theraphosidae (tarantula) hairs in the @entity735 and developed a @entity1596 and a retinochoroiditis with associated vitritis. Treatment with topical corticosteroids resulted in an improvement of signs and symptoms, although the improvement was slow and incomplete. The disease process consists of a granulomatous reaction to the spider hairs. Hairs of Theraphosidae spiders (tarantulas) may cause @entity32 at all levels of the eye, from the conjunctiva to retina. We were able to identify 14 cases of @entity3225 secondary to the exposure to the tarantula hairs in the literature. Therapy includes removal of the offending hairs when possible and topical treatment with @entity230 . CONCLUSION: Although the large hairy bird spiders (tarantulas) are considered harmless pets, @entity3225 is a potential danger when handling them. @entity3225 has an unknown prognosis and may be difficult to manage.
