Epstein-Barr viral stromal keratitis

We have identified seven patients with clinical and serological features suggestive of Epstein-Barr viral (EBV) stromal keratitis. Four had discrete, sharply demarcated, multifocal, pleomorphic or ring-shaped granular anterior stromal opacities with normal intervening stroma, seemingly distinct from adenoviral or herpes simplex stromal keratitis. Two had soft, blotchy, pleomorphic, multifocal infiltrates, predominantly involving the peripheral cornea at all depths, and with minimal neovascularization, resembling syphilitic stromal keratitis. One patient had features or both forms of keratitis. OUr experience suggests that EBV may be more commonly associated with stromal keratitis than recognized previously.     

Herpes simplex virus keratitis after laser in situ keratomileusis

PURPOSE: To report two cases of herpes simplex virus (HSV) keratitis after laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK). METHODS: Interventional small case series. Two patients underwent uneventful LASIK. History of herpes labialis in one patient and herpetic eye disease > 10 years prior to intervention in the other patient was reported. Both patients developed stromal herpetic keratitis 6 weeks and 2 years after the procedure, respectively. RESULTS: Treatment consisting of topical steroid drops and topical and systemic antiviral therapy was administered. Recurrences of the herpetic keratitis were seen after tapering of the topical steroids; four and three recurrences were observed, respectively. Final visual acuity was > 6/9 in both cases. CONCLUSIONS: Herpetic keratitis after LASIK is an uncommon, possibly under-reported, entity. Even patients without history of herpetic eye disease can present with this complication. Oral antiviral prophylaxis may be appropriate when performing LASIK on patients with a history of ocular or systemic HSV infection.     

Enhanced ptosis in Fisher's syndrome after Epstein-Barr virus infection

A 20-year-old woman presented with bilateral ptosis, total ophthalmoplegia, cerebellar symptoms, and hyporeflexia, indicating Fisher's syndrome. She had been diagnosed with infectious mononucleosis 2 months previously. Increased Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) titer was noted, and the Epstein-Barr virus-associated nuclear antigen (EBNA) became positive during the clinical course. Apparent light-near dissociation of the pupils was noted and accommodation was intact. During pharmacological tests with topical application to the eye by sympathomimetic or parasympathomimetic drugs, the pupils showed no supersensitivity, indicating possible central disorder. Enhanced ptosis was noted in each eye and this condition was aggravated by manually lifting the eyelids. The recovery latency time of this enhanced ptosis was approximately 180 ms, indicating a central polysynaptic process to possibly be the cause. Although this condition is considered specifically associated with peripheral neural or muscle diseases, the present case would indicate a central disorder as a possible mechanism.     

New onset of herpes simplex virus epithelial keratitis after penetrating keratoplasty

PURPOSE: To report a series of patients with no previous history of herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection who had new onset of herpetic keratitis after penetrating keratoplasty (PK). DESIGN: Noncontrolled, retrospective case series. METHODS: We included in the study the patients who had new onset of herpetic keratitis after penetrating keratoplasty for corneal diseases unrelated to HSV infection who were seen at the Cornea Service at Wills Eye Hospital (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) from January 1996 to December 2002. The diagnosis of HSV epithelial keratitis was based on clinical characteristics of either a classic herpetic dendrite, a geographic ulcer, or a nonhealing epithelial defect that responded only to antiviral therapy. RESULTS: Fourteen patients were included in the study. Eight of these (57%) had presented with a geographic ulcer whereas six patients (43%) had a classic dendrite. The most common primary corneal disease that led to PK was pseudophakic bullous keratopathy (36%), followed by keratoconus (29%), Fuchs dystrophy (21%), and corneal scar unrelated to HSV (14%). CONCLUSIONS: The ophthalmologist should be aware of the possibility of herpetic keratitis in eyes after PK, even in patients with no previous history of HSV infection.     

Epstein-Barr virus dacryoadenitis

PURPOSE:To describe the clinical features of lacrimal gland inflammation associated with Epstein-Barr virus infection. METHODS:The clinical records, laboratory data, and radiographs of patients who had inflammation of one or both lacrimal glands that had begun less than 4 weeks previously were reviewed.RESULTS:Sixteen patients with dacryoadenitis were encountered between 1980 and 1996, a cumulative frequency of approximately one case per 10,000 new ophthalmic outpatients. Six individuals had serologic or other evidence of recent Epstein-Barr virus infection and were distinguished by the presence of regional lymphadenopathy, no purulent discharge, and a duration of symptoms of 6 weeks. CONCLUSION:Epstein-Barr virus is a probable cause of unilateral and bilateral dacryoadenitis in young adults.     

Reactivation of herpes simplex virus keratitis after initiating bimatoprost treatment for glaucoma

PURPOSE: To report a case of herpes simplex virus reactivation after starting bimatoprost treatment for glaucoma. DESIGN: Interventional case report. METHODS: A 66-year-old woman had a herpes simplex keratouveitis reactivation that occurred within 1 month after starting bimatoprost. The herpes simplex had been inactive for more than 10 years. RESULTS: Bimatoprost and prednisolone acetate 0.12% were discontinued; oral acyclovir, ofloxacin, and betaxolol 0.25% were initiated. Two weeks later, prednisolone acetate 1% was added. The reactivation resolved, and 1 month later, the best corrected visual acuity improved to 20/40. CONCLUSION: Caution should be used in prescribing bimatoprost for patients with a history of herpes simplex virus keratitis.     

Successful treatment of Paecilomyces lilacinus keratitis in a patient with a history of herpes simplex virus keratitis

PURPOSE: To report a case of Paecilomyces lilacinus keratitis, initially misdiagnosed as Penicillium sp., in a patient with a long-standing history of herpes simplex virus (HSV) keratitis. METHODS: A retrospective case report. RESULTS: A 62-year-old man developed P. lilacinus keratitis. He was treated with topical steroids for immune stromal keratitis secondary to HSV before developing the fungal keratitis. Initial corneal cultures were positive for Penicillium sp., but subsequent cultures identified P. lilacinus to be the causative organism. The patient later developed an anterior chamber abscess. Three penetrating keratoplasties, as well as intravitreal injection of amphothericin B, topical miconazole, subconjunctival miconazole, and systemic fluconazole, were required to eradicate the infection. CONCLUSION: To our knowledge, this is a first report of P. lilacinus keratitis in a patient with a previous history of HSV keratitis. The causative organism was initially reported as Penicillium sp. on 2 occasions, before the correct diagnosis was made. Paecilomyces keratitis progressed to an anterior chamber abscess in this eye. Aggressive treatment, including a therapeutic penetrating keratoplasty, intravitreal amphothericin B injection, topical miconazole, and systemic fluconazole can be successful in eradicating this extremely difficult-to-treat infection.     

PRK术后并发盘状角膜炎一例

准分子激光屈光性角膜切削术(PRK)作为屈光矫治新技术目前已广泛开展,与其它手术相比,PRK被认为是目前相对最安全的矫治中低度近视手术方法之一,但手术并发症是所有屈光手术医生最为关注的问题,手术并发症的预防及处理是进一步提高手术成功率的关键。为此,我们报道一例PRK术后盘状角膜炎及其发生、发展及治疗的经过。患者,女性,30岁,因双眼屈光不正行PRK术。术前常规检查未见眼部异常,否认角结膜炎病史。屈光度:右眼-2.7DS→1.5;左眼-3.25DS→1.5。按常规PRK术进行,双眼手术均顺利。术毕,给予环内沙星眼药水、潇莱威眼水点眼,双眼戴…     

Infectious keratitis after LASIK

PURPOSE: To report the clinical course, management, and outcomes of culture-proven infectious keratitis in 15 eyes of 13 subjects after LASIK. DESIGN: Retrospective, noncomparative, interventional case series. PARTICIPANTS: Fifteen eyes of 13 subjects who underwent LASIK and developed culture-positive keratitis. INTERVENTION: Infectious keratitis was encountered in the operative eyes between 1 day and 450 days. Cultures were obtained, and topical antibiotic therapy was administered in all cases. Some cases required flap lifting, irrigation, and soaking of the bed with antibiotics, flap amputation, or further surgical intervention. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Time periods from onset to diagnosis, from clinical diagnosis to clinical resolution, final acuities, microbiologic profiles, and medical and surgical interventions were reviewed. RESULTS: Onset of symptoms of infection varied, depending on the infectious organism. Bacterial organisms tended to present earlier, whereas mycobacterial and fungal organisms had a later mean onset of presentation. Furthermore, the atypical organisms such as mycobacteria, fungus, and acanthamoeba also had a more delayed diagnosis, resulting in a prolonged disease course. CONCLUSIONS: Infectious keratitis after LASIK is a potentially vision-threatening complication. Onset of symptoms varies depending on causative agents. Furthermore, atypical organisms in the interface or beneath the flap can pose both diagnostic and therapeutic dilemmas. Location in the interface can make it more difficult to culture the organisms and prevent adequate penetration of topical antibiotics.     

Acanthamoeba keratitis after LASIK

PURPOSE: To report a case of Acanthamoeba infection following LASIK. METHODS: A 20-year-old woman developed pain, redness, decreased vision, and corneal infiltrate in the right eye 15 days after bilateral LASIK. She did not use contact lenses postoperatively. Patient examination 3 months after surgery revealed a large, central, full-thickness corneal infiltrate with multiple satellite lesions in the right eye. Corneal scrapings were taken and the flap excised, and submitted for histopathologic examination. RESULTS: Microscopic examination of smears revealed Acanthamoeba cysts and non-nutrient agar showed a significant growth of Acanthamoeba. Histopathology examination of the excised flap demonstrated numerous Acanthamoeba cysts in tissue sections. The infiltrate was treated with a combination of topical polyhexamethylene biguanide, chlorhexidine, atropine sulfate, and oral itraconazole and resolved within 2 months. CONCLUSIONS: Laser in situ keratomileusis can be complicated by Acanthamoeba infection. Microbiologic evaluation is essential for accurate early diagnosis and treatment.     

Herpes simplex virus keratitis in children

PURPOSE: To describe the spectrum and recurrence of herpes simplex virus (HSV) keratitis in children and adolescents. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. METHODS: Twenty-three patients younger than age 16 years were diagnosed with HSV keratitis at one institution. RESULTS: All children presented with dendritic or punctate epithelial keratitis, and stromal keratitis occurred concurrently with epithelial keratitis in 14 patients (61%). Six patients (26%) had bilateral HSV keratitis. Eleven patients (48%) developed recurrent HSV keratitis at a median of 15 months after the first documented episode. Amblyopia occurred in three children. CONCLUSION: Children with herpetic keratitis may have bilateral ocular involvement and are at risk for recurrent keratitis and amblyopia.     

Classification of herpes simplex virus keratitis

PURPOSE: We propose a nomenclature for classification of herpes simplex virus (HSV) keratitis. We hope that a more consistent classification system will lead to a better understanding of the disease processes, thus resulting in improved diagnosis, treatment, and patient outcomes. METHODS: A review of the literature was performed to evaluate current HSV classification systems. These systems were evaluated in the context of both current clinical and basic science studies and our own clinical observations. RESULTS: The proposed classification system is based on the anatomy and pathophysiology of the specific presentations of HSV keratitis. Anatomically, the primary level of corneal involvement, whether epithelium, stroma, or endothelium, must be elucidated. Pathophysiologically, the cause of the inflammation. whether immunologic, infectious, or neurotrophic, must be determined. There are four major categories of HSV keratitis. (1) Infectious epithelial keratitis, which is made up of cornea vesicles, dendritic ulcer, geographic ulcer, and marginal ulcer. (2) Neurotrophic keratopathy, which includes punctate epithelial erosions and neurotrophic ulcer. (3) Stromal keratitis, which is subdivided into necrotizing stromal keratitis and immune stromal keratitis. (4) Endotheliitis, which has three clinical presentations: disciform, diffuse, and linear. CONCLUSION: We believe that by categorizing cases of HSV keratitis by their primary anatomic and pathophysiologic etiologic characteristics, clinicians can better understand and therefore treat all types of HSV keratitis. The four main categories of HSV keratitis are infectious epithelial keratitis, neurotrophic keratopathy, stromal keratitis, and endotheliitis. Each of these is subdivided to more specific clinical presentations.     

Infectious keratitis after photorefractive keratectomy in a comanaged setting

A 48-year-old man had simultaneous bilateral photorefractive keratectomy (PRK). The surgeon who performed the PRK did not see the patient in follow-up, and there was confusion regarding the comanaging doctor. Therefore, the patient was not examined immediately postoperatively. Several days later, he was hospitalized for an unrelated, painful orthopedic problem and heavily sedated. Seven days after the PRK, an ophthalmologist was consulted for ocular irritation and discharge. Examination showed bilateral, purulent conjunctivitis and severe infectious keratitis in the left eye. The patient was treated with periocular and topical antibiotics. Corneal cultures yielded Staphylococcus aureus. The keratitis resolved slowly, leaving the patient with hand motion visual acuity. A corneal transplant and cataract extraction was performed 15 months later, resulting in a best corrected visual acuity of 20/400 because of glaucomatous optic nerve damage. Severe infectious keratitis may occur after PRK. Poor communication between the surgeon, comanaging doctor, and patient may result in treatment delay.     

Infectious keratitis after photorefractive keratectomy

PURPOSE: To elucidate risk factors, microbial culture results, and visual outcomes for infectious keratitis after photorefractive keratectomy (PRK). DESIGN: Multicenter, retrospective chart review, case report, and literature review. METHODS: The records of 12 patients with infectious keratitis after PRK were reviewed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Causative organism, response to medical treatment, and visual outcome. RESULTS: Infectious keratitis developed in 13 eyes of 12 patients after PRK. Organisms cultured were Staphylococcus aureus (n = 5), including a bilateral case of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus; Staphylococcus epidermidis (n = 4); Streptococcus pneumoniae (n = 3); and Streptococcus viridans (n = 1). Four patients manipulated their contact lenses, and 2 patients were exposed to nosocomial organisms while working in a hospital environment. Prophylactic antibiotics used were tobramycin (nine cases), polymyxin B-trimethoprim (three cases), and ciprofloxacin (one case). Final best spectacle-corrected visual acuity ranged from 20/20 to 20/100. CONCLUSIONS: Infectious corneal ulceration is a serious potential complication of PRK. Gram-positive organisms are the most common pathogens. Antibiotic prophylaxis should be broad spectrum and should include gram-positive coverage.     

Acanthamoeba keratitis after photorefractive keratectomy

A 37-year-old women developed severe suppurative keratitis immediately after having photorefractive keratectomy in her left eye. The keratitis was unresponsive to intensive topical antibiotic agents and topical and systemic steroids. Although the differential diagnosis included nonmicrobial and fungal keratitis, the clinical course and confocal microscopy suggested, and subsequent histopathologic examination confirmed, a diagnosis of Acanthamoeba keratitis. The amebic contamination probably resulted from exposure of the deepithelialized cornea to contaminated freshwater in a northern Wisconsin marsh. This case emphasizes the importance of encouraging patients with epithelial defects and bandage soft contact lenses to avoid exposure to contaminated freshwater until reepithelialization is complete.     

Infectious keratitis after lamellar keratoplasty

Infectious keratitis after lamellar keratoplasty is a potentially devastating complication that may severely limit the visual and anatomical outcomes. The deep-seated location of the infiltrates, sequestration of the pathogenic microorganisms and limited penetration of the currently available antimicrobial agents often results in delayed diagnosis that may jeopardize the management in these cases. Fungal keratitis is more common as compared with bacterial or viral keratitis and classically presents as white interface infiltrates that may not be associated with significant inflammation. Confocal microscopy may help to establish a rapid diagnosis in such cases, and anterior segment optical coherence tomography may be used to determine the extent of infection and monitor its progression. Conservative measures such as topical antimicrobials and interface irrigation with antimicrobial agents may be done. Surgical intervention in the form of partial excision/removal of the graft in endothelial keratoplasty or a full-thickness keratoplasty is often required for the effective management of deep-seated infections. Timely diagnosis and intervention may result in complete resolution of infection in both anterior lamellar and endothelial keratoplasty. Infections after anterior lamellar keratoplasty have a fair prognosis, and a clear graft with functional visual acuity may be achieved in most cases. By contrast, infections after endothelial keratoplasty have a guarded prognosis, and the presence of concomitant endophthalmitis may further complicate the graft survival and visual outcomes.