Cytomegalovirus as a cause of anterior uveitis with sectoral iris atrophy

OBJECTIVE: To report two cases of recurrent anterior uveitis with sectoral iris atrophy and ocular hypertension during attacks caused by cytomegalovirus (CMV). DESIGN: Two observational case reports. PARTICIPANTS: Two immunocompetent patients with a history of recurrent unilateral hypertensive anterior uveitis with sectoral iris atrophy were referred to us with the presumptive diagnosis of herpetic uveitis. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Comprehensive ophthalmic examination, aqueous humor polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and peripheral blood serologic studies were performed on both patients. RESULTS: Examination of aqueous humor by PCR was positive for CMV and negative for herpesvirus. Serum IgG/IgM titers disclosed past CMV infection. Both patients responded well to antiviral therapy with ganciclovir. The final visual acuity level was 20/20 in both eyes of both patients. CONCLUSIONS: CMV infection can produce recurrent attacks of anterior uveitis with clinical characteristics indistinguishable from those previously considered highly suggestive or even pathognomonic for herpetic infection. This observation has implications for the therapeutic management of such patients.     

Clinical Characteristics of Herpes Simplex Virus Associated Anterior Uveitis

Purpose: The aim of this study is to describe the clinical characteristics of molecularly proven Herpes simplex virus (HSV) anterior uveitis.

Methods: The literature on HSV anterior uveitis whereby the diagnosis was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and or Goldmann–Witmer coefficient in aqueous humor was reviewed. Three studies from Europe and one from Japan could be included.

Results: It was observed that HSV anterior uveitis is mostly an acute unilateral disease mainly occurring in middle-aged people with a predominance in females. The incidence of keratitis in HSV is between 33 and 41%. High intraocular pressure is frequently observed and ranged from 46 to 90%. Sectorial iris atrophy may be absent, especially early in the disease.

Conclusion: The clinical characteristics of HSV anterior uveitis can mimic other viral and non-infectious anterior uveitis entities especially at onset. Aqueous humor analysis for PCR and GWC can be useful in case of suspected viral uveitis.     

Review for Disease of the Year: Varicella Zoster Virus-Induced Anterior Uveitis

Varicella zoster virus (VZV)-induced anterior uveitis (AU) may complicate the course of primary varicella infection typically seen in children. In adults, especially with advanced age, VZV AU is more commonly associated with herpes zoster ophthalmicus (HZO) with or without skin rash affecting the distribution of the ophthalmic nerve due to reactivation of the latent VZV in the trigeminal ganglion. While it is typically a mild self-limiting AU in primary infection, HZO AU is often accompanied by keratitis, may have a chronic recurrent course, and lead to sectoral iris atrophy, pupillary distortion, and ocular hypertension. Diagnosis is often clinical and proven by analysis of aqueous humor for viral genome or antiviral antibodies. Systemic antiviral agents and topical steroids are the mainstay of treatment. Visual prognosis is favorable with timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment.     

Herpetic Anterior Uveitis – Analysis of Presumed and PCR Proven Cases

Purpose: To describe the demographics and clinical characteristics of patients with herpetic anterior uveitis (HAU), and compare characteristics by pathogen, recurrence, and association to iris atrophy.

Methods: Multicenter, retrospective study of AU patients diagnosed clinically and by polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Results: The study included 112 eyes in 109 patients: 54 (48.2%) HSV, 34 (30.4%) VZV, 2 (1.8%) CMV, and 22 (19.6%) unspecified diagnosis. HSV eyes, compared to VZV, had a higher recurrence rate, corneal involvement, KPs, iris atrophy, elevated IOP and posterior synechia (p < 0.05). VZV patients had more frequent immunomodulatory treatments and history of systemic herpetic disease (p < 0.05). Fifty-nine (52.7%) eyes had recurrent disease. Iris atrophy was associated with a higher prevalence of posterior synechia, dilated distorted pupil, and high IOP (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Different HAU-causing Herpesviridae produce common clinical findings; therefore, PCR should be used more often to confirm specific diagnosis. Iris atrophy was associated with more severe disease.     

Clinical features and prognosis of herpetic anterior uveitis: a retrospective study of 111 cases

To describe the clinical features and outcomes in patients with herpetic anterior uveitis. We reviewed the records of 111 patients with a clinical diagnosis of herpetic anterior uveitis seen at the Department of Ophthalmology, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, from January 1996 to December 2006. Demographic and clinical features, recurrence rate, and visual outcome were analyzed. Fifty patients were male, 61 were female. Mean age at presentation was 39.2 ± 16.5 (6–74) years. Three atopic patients had bilateral involvement. Twelve patients had active or a past episode of herpes zoster ophthalmicus. Ocular findings were granulamatous anterior uveitis (93%), active keratitis or corneal scars (57%), elevated intraocular pressure (51%), iris atrophy (48%), distorted pupil (25%), and posterior synechiae (26%). Secondary glaucoma developed in two patients. None of the patients had posterior segment complications. The recurrence rate was 0.45/person-year. Topical corticosteroids and oral antiviral therapy were administered to all patients during active episodes. Long-term prophylactic oral acyclovir was used in 13%. Final visual acuity was worse than 0.5 in 17% of the involved eyes and was due to corneal scarring or cataract formation. Patients with iridocyclitis only had no permanent visual loss. Herpetic anterior uveitis is a recurrent granulomatous disease commonly associated with corneal involvement, iris atrophy, and transient intraocular pressure rise. Visual prognosis is good, especially in patients who have only anterior uveitis without corneal disease.     

Endothelial cell loss in herpes zoster keratouveitis.

Fourteen patients were followed up with slit-lamp, noncontact, and wide-field specular microscopical examination for anterior segment changes during unilateral attacks of keratouveitis due to varicella zoster virus (VZV). Ten patients had severe keratouveitis. Their affected eyes presented nonreflecting endothelial changes in different phases of the disease. The first non-reflecting changes suggesting virus endothelitis were observed at the onset of keratouveitis. These changes later recurred for several months. When the corneal oedema had subsided, the mean endothelial cell density of the affected eyes was on average 15.3% lower (p less than 0.01) than in the healthy fellow eyes. During early uveitis transient high intraocular pressure (IOP) developed in 5 patients. Patients with severe disease and an episode of high IOP had a 20.2% lower cell count in the diseased than in the healthy fellow eye. During the follow-up interstitial keratitis developed in 2 cases and focal iris atrophy in another 2. Four patients presented with mild keratouveitis. The posterior cornea and endothelial cell density in this group remained unchanged.     

Visual outcome in herpes simplex virus and varicella zoster virus uveitis: a clinical evaluation and comparison

PURPOSE: To compare clinical characteristics and outcomes in patients with uveitis caused by herpes simplex virus (HSV) and varicella zoster virus (VZV). DESIGN: Retrospective comparative study. PARTICIPANTS: Forty patients with HSV uveitis and 24 patients with VZV uveitis. METHODS: A retrospective study of 40 patients with HSV and 24 patients with VZV uveitis was performed. The patients were followed between May 1987 and September 1999 (median follow-up time, 46 months). The diagnosis of HSV uveitis was made clinically and serologically, and the diagnosis of VZV uveitis was made clinically. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Clinical presentation of the disease, ocular complications, visual acuity, surgical and medical treatments needed. RESULTS: Both populations were comparable for gender and age at disease onset. The course of the disease tended to be remitting and recurrent in HSV patients and chronic in VZV patients (P = 0.046). The most frequent ocular complication in both groups was secondary glaucoma (54% HSV, 38% VZV). Twenty-five percent of VZV patients developed posterior pole complications (cystoid macular edema, epiretinal membrane, papillitis, retinal fibrosis, and detachment) compared with 8% of HSV patients (P = 0.069). Treatment modalities selected were generally similar in the two groups, although periocular and systemic steroids were required more frequently in HSV patients (60% versus 25%; P = 0.01). Surgical procedures were required with similar frequency in both populations. The percentage of eyes that were legally blind at end of follow-up was also comparable (HSV, 20%; VZV, 21%). The visual outcome was similar in the studied populations. CONCLUSIONS: This study represents the only direct comparison of HSV and VZV uveitis patients reported in the literature. HSV patients were more likely to be treated with periocular and systemic steroids, and VZV patients were more likely to develop posterior pole complications (a finding of borderline significance). Other parameters evaluated in this study were not statistically different in the two patient groups.     

Coincidence of Varicella-Zoster Virus Anterior Uveitis in a Patient with Chandler's Syndrome

Purpose

We report a patient who, based on the clinical manifestations, was originally diagnosed as having Chandler''s syndrome and later developed varicella-zoster virus (VZV) DNA-positive anterior uveitis.

Methods

The patient with Chandler''s syndrome who manifested anterior uveitis underwent a complete ophthalmologic examination. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to amplify the viral DNA in the aqueous humor to determine the cause of the intraocular inflammation.

Results

Slit-lamp biomicroscopy showed focal iris atrophy and peripheral anterior synechiae (PAS); specular microscopy of the corneal endothelium disclosed the hammered-silver appearance. Based on these clinical findings, we diagnosed this patient as having Chandler''s syndrome. During the follow-up period, however, the inflammatory cells suddenly appeared in the anterior chamber with formation of keratic precipitates and an increased intraocular pressure (IOP). VZV DNA was displayed in the aqueous humor by PCR. Based upon the diagnosis of VZV anterior uveitis, corticosteroids and acyclovir were given topically and systemically. The inflammation subsided with these medications; however, trabeculectomy was finally needed to control the IOP due to PAS progression.

Conclusion

The coincidence of VZV anterior uveitis with Chandler''s syndrome may constitute an implication for the possible viral etiology of iridocorneal endothelial syndrome.Key words: Chandler''s syndrome, Iridocorneal endothelial syndrome, Varicella-zoster virus, Anterior uveitis     

Comparison of the ocular characteristics of anterior uveitis caused by herpes simplex virus,varicella-zoster virus,and cytomegalovirus

Purpose

To compare the clinical characteristics of anterior uveitis (AU) caused by herpes simplex virus (HSV), varicella-zoster virus (VZV), or cytomegalovirus (CMV).

Methods

The medical records were reviewed of 46 patients whose diagnoses were based on their clinical characteristics [e.g., unilateral involvement, presence of keratic precipitates (KPs), and elevation of intraocular pressure (IOP)] and on PCR detection of herpes virus DNA in the aqueous humor. The demographics, chief complaints, and clinical characteristics of the three types of herpetic AU were compared.

Results

Of the 46 patients with AU, eight had HSV-AU, 20 had VZV-AU, and 18 had CMV-AU. HSV-AU and VZV-AU shared common features, i.e., a relatively acute disease process and the presence of large KPs. Among the three groups of patients, the characteristic features of those with VZV-AU were severe intraocular inflammation, as shown by severe aqueous flare, highest viral load in the aqueous humor, and presence of segmental iris atrophy. In comparison, patients with CMV-AU had the mildest intraocular inflammation, lowest corneal endothelial cell density, and highest IOP.

Conclusions

Although the AU caused by each of the three types of herpes viruses has a number of common features, each disease also has distinct features that should facilitate an accurate diagnosis.     

Polymerase chain reaction for diagnosis of herpetic intraocular inflammation

The authors present a polymerase chain reaction method for rapid and direct diagnosis of herpetic intraocular infections using small volume samples of intraocular fluid from 29 patients with various intraocular inflammatory diseases and 24 controls with senile cataract. Of six patients with early acute retinal necrosis from whom aqueous humor was tested, four were found to be positive for the presence of varicella-zoster (VZV) DNA while the other two were positive for the presence of herpes simplex virus (HSV) DNA. One of the patients with HSV DNA had been tested at an extremely early stage, at which time the aqueous humor viral antibody ratio did not predict a specific viral infection. Among four patients with acute retinal necrosis in relatively late stages following treatment with acyclovir from whom vitreous was obtained and tested, only one was found to have the presence of any viral DNA (VZV). On the other hand, the vitreous viral antibody ratio was found to be predictive of VZV infection in all four cases. VZV DNA was also detected in aqueous humor samples from four patients with suspected herpes zoster anterior uveitis, while HSV DNA was found in the aqueous humor of one patient with nonspecific keratouveitis. Neither human cytomegalovirus DNA nor human herpesvirus-6 DNA was detected in any sample included in this study. Finally, Epstein-Barr virus DNA was detected in the aqueous humor of the majority of patients studied and identified in cataract patients as well, suggesting either low specificity of the authors' assay for this virus or ubiquity of this virus in human eyes. In summary, the PCR method proved to be a very useful tool in establishing an etiological diagnosis in patients in the early stages of acute retinal necrosis, and in patients with anterior uveitis due to suspected HSV or VZV infection.     

Polymerase chain reaction for diagnosis of herpetic intraocular inflammation

The authors present a polymerase chain reaction method for rapid and direct diagnosis of herpetic intraocular infections using small volume samples of intraocular fluid from 29 patients with various intraocular inflammatory diseases and 24 controls with senile cataract. Of six patients with early acute retinal necrosis from whom aqueous humor was tested, four were found to be positive for the presence of varicella-zoster (VZV) DNA while the other two were positive for the presence of herpes simplex virus (HSV) DNA. One of the patients with HSV DNA had been tested at an extremely early stage, at which time the aqueous humor viral antibody ratio did not predict a specific viral infection. Among four patients with acute retinal necrosis in relatively late stages following treatment with acyclovir from whom vitreous was obtained and tested, only one was found to have the presence of any viral DNA (VZV). On the other hand, the vitreous viral antibody ratio was found to be predictive of VZV infection in all four cases. VZV DNA was also detected in aqueous humor samples from four patients with suspected herpes zoster anterior uveitis, while HSV DNA was found in the aqueous humor of one patient with nonspecific keratouveitis. Neither human cytomegalovirus DNA nor human herpesvirus-6 DNA was detected in any sample included in this study. Finally, Epstein-Barr virus DNA was detected in the aqueous humor of the majority of patients studied and identified in cataract patients as well, suggesting either low specificity of the authors' assay for this virus or ubiquity of this virus in human eyes. In summary, the PCR method proved to be a very useful tool in establishing an etiological diagnosis in patients in the early stages of acute retinal necrosis, and in patients with anterior uveitis due to suspected HSV or VZV infection.     

Rubella virus-associated uveitis: clinical manifestations and visual prognosis

PURPOSE: To investigate the clinical profile of patients with chronic anterior uveitis and intraocular analyses positive for intraocular Rubella virus infection and assess eventual similarities to Fuchs heterochromic uveitis (FHU). DESIGN: Retrospective case-control study. METHODS: Clinical records of 30 patients with anterior uveitis positive for intraocular antibody production against Rubella virus by Goldmann-Witmer coefficient determination and/or polymerase chain reaction were reviewed and compared with clinical records of 13 patients with chronic anterior uveitis of undetermined origin. Multiple variables were assessed and patient records were evaluated at onset and at one year after their first visit to the University Medical Center Utrecht. RESULTS: Patients with Rubella virus-associated uveitis were younger at time of initial ophthalmologic presentation (P = .014). Rubella virus-positive patients presented more frequently with unilateral ocular disease (P < .001), keratic precipitates (KPs; P = .014), iris atrophy and/or heterochromia (P = .051), associated vitreous opacities (P = .024), and cataract (P = .004). Also, the combination of KPs, absence of posterior synechiae, cataract, and vitreous opacities occurred more often in the Rubella virus-positive group (P = .026) and the presence of three or four of these criteria occurred more frequently in the Rubella virus-positive group (P = .004). CONCLUSIONS: Rubella virus causes a distinct clinical spectrum of ocular symptoms similar to the FHU syndrome, which suggests that Rubella virus might be involved in the pathogenesis of FHU.     

Differential Diagnosis of Viral-Induced Anterior Uveitis

Diagnosis of uveitis is often challenging, but can be easy in typical viral-induced anterior uveitis (VIAU). Associated symptoms and signs are an important source of information. Certain classical clinical features such as keratic precipitates (KPs) distribution, iris atrophy, elevated intraocular pressure (IOP), and unilaterality are commonly used to support the diagnosis of VIAU. However, many etiologies of anterior uveitis may to a certain extent mimic VIAU, especially the ones with unilateral granulomatous KPs and elevated IOP. This review begins with how the clinician can differentiate viral from nonviral anterior uveitis, and subsequently focuses on the key features which may aid in differentiating among the different viruses that cause VIAU.     

Persistent pupillary dilation in herpes simplex uveitis

Objective: To report the association between herpes simplex virus (HSV) and iris atrophy with pupillary dilation.Design: Retrospective case series.Participants: Patients with a clinical diagnosis of HSV keratouveitis seen between November 1993 and April 1994 in a single university uveitis clinic. There were 6 women and 7 men, aged 17 to 69 years (mean age 44.4 years).Methods: Patient information was collected, including history and medications used, and a complete ophthalmologic evaluation was performed, with careful documentation of iris detail and pupillary size.Results: Thirteen of 13 patients demonstrated some degree of iris atrophy; 9 of 13 had pupillary dilation on the affected side despite not being on dilating drops.Conclusions: Iris atrophy and pupillary dilation in a patient with unexplained anterior uveitis suggests the diagnosis of HSV keratouveitis.     

超声乳化联合前段玻璃体切割治疗葡萄膜炎并发性白内障

目的: 探讨白内障超声乳化联合前段玻璃体切割治疗葡萄膜炎并发白内障的临床疗效。方法: 选取我院2010-03/2012-10葡萄膜炎并发白内障患者20例24眼进行观察,均行白内障超声乳化联合前段玻璃体切割术治疗,术中均植入人工晶状体。结果: 术后随防6～12mo,23眼(96%)视力得到不同程度提高,6眼(25%)术中虹膜出血,2眼(8%)术后前房炎症反应,1眼(4%)出现一过性眼压升高。结论: 超声乳化联合前段玻璃体切割是目前治疗葡萄膜炎并发性白内障较为有效的方法,可有助于控制炎症反应,提高视功能,减少并发症。     

Herpes zoster virus infection

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The virology, pathophysiology, and treatment of the varicella zoster virus (VZV) have been investigated for many years now. Infection with VZV has different ramifications for people of different ages and immune status. The various aspects of VZV disease make it difficult to treat. Selected aspects of VZV disease that pertain to ocular disease are presented. RECENT FINDINGS: The risk factors for VZV disease in the different age spectrums and with concomitant immunodeficiencies have been further clarified. Studies suggest that the VZV may persist for prolonged periods on the cornea after herpes zoster ophthalmicus (HZO). Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) or VZV may cause many cases of idiopathic uveitis with sectoral iris atrophy. The different patterns of retinal disease caused by VZV may relate to the immune status. Systemic antiviral medications for herpes zoster should be instituted within 72 hours of the rash but could be used later. Systemic antivirals combined with systemic corticosteroids improve the early quality of life in HZ patients. Postherpetic neuralgia is not prevented by early systemic antivirals or corticosteroids. Present systemic antivirals are all effective, but Famvir offers the best dosing schedule. The VZV vaccine is effective but there are some issues that suggest the need for a different vaccination regimen. SUMMARY: Further research must be performed on the clinical and therapeutic aspects of the VZV disease. Although both the vaccine and systemic antivirals have brought tremendous improvements, the disease persists. Therapy lessens but does not eliminate many of the complications. The disease may manifest in unpredictable patterns in this era of vaccination.     

Detection of herpes simplex virus in pseudoexfoliation syndrome and exfoliation glaucoma

PURPOSE: The pathogenesis of pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PEX) remains unknown. An infection, possibly viral, is one of the proposed pathogenetic mechanisms. This study examines the presence of herpes simplex virus (HSV) and varicella-zoster virus (VZV) in iris and anterior capsule specimens of PEX and non-PEX patients. METHODS: Iris and anterior capsule specimens were obtained from 64 patients with PEX (study group, SG) and 61 patients without PEX (control group, CG). The presence of HSV and VZV DNA was evaluated with a polymerase chain reaction (PCR). RESULTS: Herpes simplex virus type I was detected significantly more often in iris specimens from the SG (13.79%), compared to those from the CG (1.75%). Varicella-zoster virus DNA was not detected in any of the examined specimens. CONCLUSION: Results imply a possible relationship between HSV type I and PEX, although no aetiological role of HSV infection in PEX pathogenesis can be established. Results also advocate against any association between VZV and PEX.     

Clinical Features of CMV-Associated Anterior Uveitis

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) anterior uveitis is the most common ocular manifestation of CMV disease in immunocompetent individuals. It is thought to be due to a local reactivation of latent CMV and is usually unilateral. The acute form presents as Posner-Schlossman Syndrome, a recurrent hypertensive anterior uveitis with few granulomatous keratic precipitates. There are geographic differences in the chronic form of CMV anterior uveitis. Asian patients commonly present as Fuchs Uveitis Syndrome with diffuse stellate keratic precipitates, while the European patients present with a chronic hypertensive anterior uveitis with fewer keratic precipitates that are brown in color and located inferiorly. Characteristic features of CMV anterior uveitis include mild anterior chamber inflammation, elevated intraocular pressure, stromal iris atrophy. Synechiae, macular edema and retinitis are typically absent. CMV disease may also be associated with the development of corneal endotheliitis with a reduced endothelial cell count. Long-term complications include glaucomatous optic neuropathy and cataract formation.     

Zoster sine herpete with bilateral ocular involvement

PURPOSE: To report a case of zoster sine herpete with bilateral ocular involvement. METHOD: Case report. RESULTS: A 65-year-old man showed bilateral iridocyclitis with sectoral iris atrophy and elevated intraocular pressure unresponsive to steroid treatment. No cutaneous eruption was manifest on the forehead. A target region of varicella-zoster virus DNA sequence was amplified from the aqueous sample from the left eye by polymerase chain reaction. Bilateral iridocyclitis resolved promptly after initiation of systemic and topical acyclovir treatment. Secondary glaucoma was well controlled by bilateral trabeculectomy. CONCLUSIONS: Zoster sine herpete should be considered and polymerase chain reaction performed on an aqueous sample to detect varicella-zoster virus DNA for rapid diagnosis whenever anterior uveitis accompanies the characteristic iris atrophy, even in the case of bilateral involvement.     

Herpes zoster virus sclerokeratitis and anterior uveitis in a child following varicella vaccination

PURPOSE: To report a case of herpes zoster virus sclerokeratitis with anterior uveitis following vaccination with live attenuated varicella vaccine (Oka strain). DESIGN: Case report. METHODS: The case records of the patient were reviewed retrospectively. Pertinent literature citations were identified using MEDLINE. RESULTS: A 9-year-old boy presented with herpes zoster ophthalmicus 3 years following vaccination with live attenuated varicella vaccine (Oka strain). Examination of the affected eye revealed a moderate follicular response on the palpebral conjunctiva, decreased corneal sensation, mildly elevated intraocular pressure, diffuse anterior scleritis with marginal keratitis, and a moderately severe anterior uveitis. Amplified DNA from fluid taken from the base of a cutaneous vesicle produced wild-type varicella zoster virus (VZV) DNA, not Oka strain. CONCLUSIONS: Herpes zoster virus infection needs to be considered in all patients who present with scleritis, keratitis, or anterior uveitis, regardless of their varicella vaccination status.