Acute retinal necrosis following contralateral herpes zoster ophthalmicus

BACKGROUND: A case report of contralateral acute retinal necrosis (ARN) following herpes zoster ophthalmicus. CASE: A 61-year-old male patient developed iridocyclitis and well-demarcated creamy-white retinal lesions at the nasal periphery in the right eye 1 month after herpes zoster ophthalmicus in the left eye. The patient had undergone surgery for primary lung cancer, and had subsequent intracranial metastasis of the tumor. OBSERVATIONS: The clinical diagnosis of ARN was supported by polymerase chain reaction investigation of the aqueous humor resulting in positive for varicella-zoster virus. Retinal lesions disappeared after systemic treatment with acyclovir, corticosteroids, and acetylsalicylate. No retinal detachment developed. CONCLUSIONS: We propose a careful ophthalmic follow-up for herpes zoster ophthalmicus patients because of the possibility of acute retinal necrosis developing in the contralateral eye.     

Case of herpes zoster ophthalmicus with abducent palsy: the cause and magnetic resonance imaging findings

PURPOSE: To report the cause and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in a case of abducent palsy following herpes zoster ophthalmicus. CASE: A 76-year-old man presented with acute onset of pain, a vesicular cutaneous eruption and herpes zoster ophthalmicus on the right side. He developed complete abducent palsy on the right side two weeks after onset. MRI with gadolinium enhancement showed Meckel's sinus, which contains the trigeminal ganglion, and the abducent nerve on the right side. The patient was treated with intravenous acyclovir and methylprednisolone. The abnormal enhancement shown on MRI vanished immediately and the ophthalmoplegia resolved significantly. CONCLUSION: This is the first reported case where an affected cranial nerve was detected next to the inflammatory cavernous sinus in ophthalmoplegia following herpes zoster ophthalmicus. These MRI findings showed that this ophthlamoplegia was induced by direct viral invasion or extension of inflammation to the ipsilateral cranial nerve. Further studies need to be performed to clarify the role of specific antiviral therapy or anti-inflammatory agents in treating this complication of herpes zoster.     

Herpes zoster ophthalmicus: presenting as giant-cell arteritis

A 74-year-old woman was referred to the authors' clinic with a 1-week suspicion of giant-cell arteritis. Uncomplicated, bilateral temporal artery biopsies were performed 3 days after admission for therapy. Four hours after the procedure she developed vesicular lesions of the face compatible with herpes zoster ophthalmicus. The temporal artery biopsy revealed perineural lymphocytic aggregation. Both giant-cell arteritis and herpes zoster ophthalmicus form part of the differential diagnosis in elderly patients with headache. In such cases, clues from a temporal artery biopsy may aid in diagnosis of herpes zoster. In addition, the patient in this case developed the rash 10 days after onset of symptoms, which is rare as the average time from onset of symptoms to rash in zoster is 3-5 days.     

Presumed reactivation of herpes zoster ophthalmicus following laser in situ keratomileusis

PURPOSE: To report a case of herpes zoster ophthalmicus reactivation following laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) for myopia. METHODS: A 54-year-old healthy male underwent uneventful bilateral LASIK for the correction of myopia and astigmatism (-5.75 -3.00 x 20 degrees right eye, -5.50 -3.00 x 170 degrees left eye). Two months following LASIK, an epithelial dendritic lesion appeared in the lower third of the corneal flap of the left eye with vesiculoulcerative lesions of the lateral side of the tip of the nose. RESULTS: The patient was treated with topical and oral antiviral agents and had complete recovery of the lesions in 10 days. CONCLUSIONS: Herpes zoster reactivation may occur following LASIK. Reactivation of herpes zoster in this case could have been coincidental, or secondary to LASIK and the subsequent use of topical corticosteroids following LASIK.     

Trochlear nerve palsy in a case of herpes zoster ophthalmicus

A case of trochlear nerve palsy in herpes zoster ophthalmicus is presented. The rarity of fourth nerve involvement in herpes zoster is emphasized.     

Optic neuropathy and central retinal artery occlusion in a case of herpes zoster ophthalmicus

In this case report the authors present a patient in whom loss of vision developed in the left eye in the early stage of herpes zoster ophthalmicus. He suffered from optic neuropathy followed by central retinal artery occlusion. Ophthalmologists should be aware of this rare and early complication of herpes zoster.     

A case of complete ophthalmoplegia in herpes zoster ophthalmicus

PURPOSE: To report a case with complete ophthalmoplegia after herpes zoster ophthalmicus. METHODS: A 70-year-old male patient visited a clinic because of vesicular eruptions over the left side of his face with severe pain. Drooping and severe swelling of the left eyelid were present, along with keratitis and uveitis. While the lid swelling and uveitis were improving, external ophthalmoplegia and exophthalmos were discovered. Intramuscular injections of dexamethasone 5 mg were given for 10 days, followed by oral administration of prednisolone at a dosage of 15 mg for two weeks and 10 mg for two weeks. RESULTS: The patient was fully recovered from the complete ophthalmoplegia and exophthalmos six months after the onset of the cutaneous lesion. CONCLUSIONS: Complete ophthalmoplegia is a rare ophthalmic complication of herpes zoster infection. Therefore, an evaluation of extraocular muscle and lid function should be performed during the examination of herpes zoster patients in order to screen for ophthalmoplegia.     

Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus in an Otherwise-Healthy Child

Herpes zoster ophthalmicus, although not uncommon in adults, is rarely found in children. Herein we present a case of pediatric herpes zoster ophthalmicus that is unique in 2 ways. First, the child had been vaccinated against varicella and otherwise had no known exposure to varicella-zoster virus. Second, the initial presentation of herpes zoster ophthalmicus was a painful and diffuse subconjunctival hemorrhage that appeared before any of its classic signs were observed. We report this case to document the possible occurrence of herpes zoster ophthalmicus in children who have been vaccinated against varicella and the possibility of a diffuse, painful subconjunctival hemorrhage as a presenting sign.     

Optic neuropathy and central retinal artery occlusion in a patient with herpes zoster ophthalmicus.

We present the case of a patient with herpes zoster ophthalmicus and optic neuropathy followed by central retinal artery occlusion. In those with herpes zoster ophthalmicus, in addition to the known usual complications, the possibility of this rare complication also should be considered, and the patient should be followed closely for a prolonged time.     

Herpes zoster ophthalmicus, contralateral hemiplegia, and recurrent ocular toxoplasmosis in a patient with acquired immune deficiency syndrome-related complex

A 42-year-old man presented with herpes zoster ophthalmicus on the right side. He was found to have acquired immune deficiency syndrome-related complex. Two weeks later he developed toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis in the left eye. He also presented later with left hemiplegia, which was probably caused by herpes zoster arteritis. Nine months after the retinal lesion resolved he developed another area of toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis adjacent to the first lesion. Herpes zoster may be the first presentation of acquired immune deficiency syndrome-related complex in a young healthy individual. Ophthalmologists are encountering patients with acquired immune deficiency syndrome who may have multiple organisms as the cause for their ocular infections and this might pose a treatment dilemma. The combination of herpes zoster ophthalmicus and ocular toxoplasmosis in this patient makes this case unusual.     

An unusual presentation of herpes zoster ophthalmicus: orbital myositis preceding vesicular eruption

PURPOSE: To present a case of orbital myositis associated with herpes zoster ophthalmicus. DESIGN: Observational case report. METHODS: A 47-year-old woman with acute retrobulbar eye pain and diplopia preceding the vesicular rash of herpes zoster ophthalmicus was evaluated and treated. RESULTS: Magnetic resonance imaging showed enlargement and enhancement of extraocular muscles consistent with an inflammatory myopathy. Following acyclovir and prednisone treatment, all symptoms resolved, and neuralgia did not develop. CONCLUSIONS: Herpes zoster may cause symptoms and signs of orbital myositis before eruption of cutaneous skin lesions and thus should be considered in the differential diagnosis of an acute orbital myositis.     

Ocular findings in Japanese patients with varicella-zoster virus infection

PURPOSE: To examine ocular findings in Japanese patients with varicella, herpes zoster ophthalmicus, and acute retinal necrosis. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted. Information on the ocular, cutaneous, systemic, and virologic findings on pediatric and adult patients was obtained from medical records. RESULTS: A total of 77 (45 male and 32 female) patients were enrolled in the study: 4 children had varicella, 68 adults had herpes zoster ophthalmicus, and 5 adults had acute retinal necrosis. Children with varicella had eruptions on the eyelid. Patients with herpes zoster ophthalmicus had eruptions, conjunctivitis, keratitis, iridocyclitis, and other findings. Patients with acute retinal necrosis had intracameral cells and retinal lesions. Some patients with herpes zoster ophthalmicus had malignancy, type 2 diabetes mellitus, or other disease. One pregnant woman developed acute retinal necrosis shortly after varicella infection. A total of 48% of patients with negative Hutchinson sign had ocular lesions, while all patients with positive sign showed ocular lesions. Patients with varicella and herpes zoster ophthalmicus had good visual acuity at the last visit. Some patients with acute retinal necrosis had poor visual acuity at the last visit. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with varicella, herpes zoster ophthalmicus, and acute retinal necrosis had several ocular complications. Some patients with acute retinal necrosis had poor visual outcomes. Ophthalmologists should be aware that acute retinal necrosis may develop shortly after varicella infection.     

Herpes zoster ophthalmicus presenting as orbital abscess along with superior orbital fissure syndrome: A case report

Orbital abscess and superior orbital fissure syndrome (SOFS) are rare manifestations of herpes zoster ophthalmicus. Herein, we report a case of orbital abscess along with SOFS in a 2.5-year-old-male child secondary to herpes zoster infection. He presented with a 5-day history of proptosis and ptosis of the right eye that had been preceded by vesicular eruptions on the right forehead and scalp. Computed tomography scan of the head and orbit showed orbital abscess and right cavernous sinus thrombosis. A diagnosis of orbital abscess with SOFS secondary to herpes infection was made. The condition subsequently improved following antiviral therapy, intravenous vancomycin and amikacin, and oral corticosteroids.     

Herpes zoster vasculitis presenting as giant cell arteritis with bilateral internuclear ophthalmoplegia

PURPOSE: To present a case of herpes zoster vasculitis presenting as giant cell arteritis. DESIGN: Interventional case report. METHODS: A 77-year-old woman presented with sudden onset of diplopia associated with temple headaches and a previous history of herpes zoster ophthalmicus. A temporal artery biopsy was obtained and in-situ hybridization performed for herpes zoster DNA. RESULTS: The patient presented with a bilateral internuclear ophthalmoplegia. Initial diagnostic evaluation, including erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, and temporal artery biopsy, was consistent with giant cell arteritis. However, in-situ hybridization of the temporal artery specimen was positive for herpes zoster DNA. CONCLUSIONS: Herpes zoster vasculitis may mimic giant cell arteritis and should be considered in the differential of any patient with presumed giant cell arteritis with suspicious findings, central nervous system involvement, or previous herpes zoster infection.     

Prognostic value of Hutchinson's sign in acute herpes zoster ophthalmicus

PURPOSE: To determine the prognostic value of nasociliary skin lesions (Hutchinson's sign) for ocular inflammation and corneal sensory denervation in acute herpes zoster ophthalmicus. METHODS: A longitudinal observational study with a 2-month follow-up was performed involving 83 non-immunocompromised adults with acute herpes zoster ophthalmicus, with a skin rash duration of less than 7 days, referred by their general practitioner. All skin lesions at the tip, the side and the root of the nose, representing the dermatomes of the external nasal and infratrochlear branches of the nasociliary nerve, were documented by taking photographs and marking anatomical drawings. Ocular inflammatory signs were observed by slit-lamp biomicroscopy, and corneal sensitivity was measured with the Cochet-Bonnet esthesiometer at 2-month follow-up. RESULTS: Hutchinson's sign was a powerful predictor of ocular inflammation and corneal denervation in herpes zoster ophthalmicus [relative risks: 3.35 (CI 95%: 1.82-6.15) and 4.02 (CI 95%:1.55-10.42), respectively]. The manifestation of herpes zoster skin lesions at the dermatomes of both nasociliary branches was invariably associated with the development of ocular inflammation. CONCLUSION: Clinicians should be alert for early skin lesions within the complete nasociliary dermatome, because they are a reliable prognostic sign of sight-threatening ocular complications in acute herpes zoster ophthalmicus.     

德黑兰15例HIV患者眼部病变的临床特点

目的:探讨德黑兰HIV患者眼部病变的发生频率及其特点。方法:采用横向研究,选取7个月间收录的141例(282眼,其中男性125例,女性16例)不同程度的HIV患者,每位患者拥有全部的个人资料,包括人口统计信息、HIV传播途径、最近CD4淋巴细胞计数、普通性/血源性病毒和弓形虫病的血清学研究、抗逆转录病毒治疗史以及相关的全身性疾病。结果:患者141例中,HIV涉及眼部病的为15例(10.6%),包括3例结核性脉络膜炎,2例巨细胞病毒性视网膜炎,2例单纯疱疹病毒相关病变,1例HIV相关的视网膜病变,1例眼带状疱疹,1例待定为玻璃体炎以及3例涉及颅神经损伤包括2例凝视麻痹和1例视乳头炎。CD4淋巴细胞计数在涉及眼部病变的患者中比没有涉及眼部病变的患者低(204.7±123.8vs403.7±339.7,P=0.029),但两组间其他相关因素没有差异。结论:在德黑兰,结核性脉络膜炎和神经性眼科疾病损伤是HIV患者最常见的眼部损伤,这与最近发表在发达国家的不一致。     

Palpebral subconjunctival hemorrhages in herpes zoster ophthalmicus

A 75-year-old previously healthy woman was referred for evaluation of pain and foreign body sensation in her left eye of 4 days' duration. Two weeks before presentation she was diagnosed with herpes zoster involving the left forehead and temple area and started on famciclovir treatment. Examination of her left cornea revealed inferior superficial punctate keratitis, but no dendrites or pseudodendrites. Upper eyelid eversion disclosed unusual raised palpebral subconjunctival hemorrhages on the left side. She was started on topical prednisolone eyedrops in the left eye, and her symptoms improved over the following week. Herpes zoster ophthalmicus can initially present in the eyelids. Careful follow-up with particular attention to the eyelids and eyelid eversion is recommended in any patient presenting with herpes zoster to detect early ocular involvement.     

Oral acyclovir for herpes zoster ophthalmicus.

BACKGROUND: Reports on the natural history of herpes zoster ophthalmicus stress its high morbidity related to vicious scars on eyelids, ocular complications, and post-herpetic neuralgia. Early treatment with oral acyclovir is effective, but the optimal duration of treatment has not been defined. METHODS: The authors performed a bicentric, prospective, randomized, double-masked study of 86 patients with acute herpes zoster ophthalmicus, within 72 hours of skin eruption, who received oral acyclovir (800 mg 5 times daily), either for 7 days (plus 7 days oral placebo) or for 14 days. All patients concomitantly received ophthalmic 3% acyclovir ointment; follow-up was at least 6 months. RESULTS: Statistical analyses of subjective symptoms, skin lesions, and ocular complications showed no significant differences between the groups, suggesting that a 7-day course of treatment was sufficient. Drug tolerance was good. Pooled data from both groups corroborated earlier reports that prompt treatment with oral acyclovir reduces the severity of the skin eruption, the incidence and severity of late ocular manifestations, and the intensity of postherpetic neuralgia. At 6 months, late ocular inflammatory complications were seen in 29.1% of our 86 patients, versus 50% to 71% of untreated patients described by others. Only 13% of our patients experienced post-herpetic neuralgia, which in no case required the use of analgesics. CONCLUSION: The authors believe it is not useful to prolong treatment with 800 mg of oral acyclovir 5 times daily for more than 7 days in herpes zoster ophthalmicus. This study confirms the efficacy of oral acyclovir not only against skin lesions and ocular complications, but also against postherpetic neuralgia in herpes zoster ophthalmicus.     

External ophthalmomyiasis associated with herpes zoster ophthalmicus

Ophthalmomyiasis is a rare entity caused by infestation with certain dipterous larvae. We describe a 71-year-old farmer with herpes zoster ophthalmicus on the left side of the face in whom the blisters became secondarily infested with Chrysomyia bezziana maggots. The maggots were removed mechanically, and the corneal involvement secondary to zoster ophthalmicus responded to therapy with topical steroids and cycloplegics. To our knowledge this is the first report of external ophthalmomyiasis due to C. bezziana.     

A case of acute dacryoadenitis associated with herpes zoster ophthalmicus

BACKGROUND: Acute dacryoadenitis is an uncommon disease. CASE: We present what we believe to be the first reported case of herpes zoster ophthalmicus with the onset of acute dacryoadenitis. OBSERVATIONS: A 30-year-old man complained of severe ocular pain and hyperemia in his right eye. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated enlargement of the right lacrimal gland and acute dacryoadenitis was diagnosed. Two days after treatment with systemic antibiotics he developed iridocyclitis and skin lesions confined to the first division of the trigeminal nerve; therefore, herpes zoster ophthalmicus was diagnosed. Treatment with acyclovir immediately resolved the ocular pain and swelling of the upper eyelid. MRI conducted in the 4 months after the initial examination showed there was no longer enlargement of the right lacrimal gland. CONCLUSION: Clinicians should be aware that varicella-zoster virus may cause acute dacryoadenitis.