valacyclovir and Herpes-Zoster-Ophthalmicus

To define a clinically tailored therapeutic strategy for the treatment of viral anterior uveitis (VAU).. A PubMed search spanning the past 5 years was conducted using the MesH-terms "viral anterior uveitis" and "therapy.". The herpes simplex virus (HSV), the varicella zoster virus (VZV), and the cytomegalovirus (CMV) are the predominant pathogens in VAU. Other viruses, including rubella, chikungunya, and zika, have been linked with distinct forms of the disease. Depending on the causative agent and the host immunocompetence, the mainstay treatment for suspected VAU is a combination of topical or systemic antivirals and topical corticosteroids, supplemented with cycloplegics and intraocular-pressure-lowering medication.. Oral acyclovir, valacyclovir, and famciclovir are the mainstay of treatment for HSV- and VZV-induced infections. Brivudin serves as an alternative in insufficiently responsive cases. CMV-induced infections respond well to valganciclovir. A 3- to 12-month course of prophylactic treatment against recurrences is worth considering.

Topics: Acyclovir; Antiviral Agents; Bromodeoxyuridine; Chikungunya Fever; Cytomegalovirus Infections; Eye Infections, Viral; Famciclovir; Herpes Simplex; Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus; Humans; Rubella; Uveitis, Anterior; Valacyclovir; Zika Virus Infection

To evaluate the available evidence in peer-reviewed publications about the diagnosis and treatment of acute retinal necrosis (ARN).. Literature searches of the PubMed and Cochrane Library databases were last conducted on July 27, 2016. The searches identified 216 unique citations, and 49 articles of possible clinical relevance were reviewed in full text. Of these 49 articles, 27 were deemed sufficiently relevant or of interest, and they were rated according to strength of evidence. An additional 6 articles were identified from the reference lists of these articles and included. All 33 studies were retrospective.. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing of aqueous or vitreous humor was positive for herpes simplex virus (HSV) or varicella zoster virus (VZV) in 79% to 100% of cases of suspected ARN. Aqueous and vitreous specimens are both sensitive and specific. There is level II and III evidence supporting the use of intravenous and oral antiviral therapy for the treatment of ARN. Data suggest that equivalent plasma drug levels of acyclovir can be achieved after administration of oral valacyclovir or intravenous acyclovir. There is level II and III evidence suggesting that the combination of intravitreal foscarnet and systemic antiviral therapy may have greater therapeutic efficacy than systemic therapy alone. The effectiveness of prophylactic laser or early pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) in preventing retinal detachment (RD) remains unclear.. Polymerase chain reaction testing of ocular fluid is useful in supporting a clinical diagnosis of ARN, but treatment should not be delayed while awaiting PCR results. Initial oral or intravenous antiviral therapy is effective in treating ARN. The adjunctive use of intravitreal foscarnet may be more effective than systemic therapy alone. The role of prophylactic laser retinopexy or early PPV is unknown at this time.

Topics: Academies and Institutes; Acyclovir; Antiviral Agents; Aqueous Humor; Biomedical Technology; DNA, Viral; Eye Infections, Viral; Foscarnet; Herpes Simplex; Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus; Herpesvirus 3, Human; Humans; Ophthalmology; Polymerase Chain Reaction; Retinal Necrosis Syndrome, Acute; Retrospective Studies; Simplexvirus; United States; Valacyclovir; Valine; Vitrectomy; Vitreous Body

Herpes zoster ophthalmicus affects the eye and vision, and is caused by the reactivation of the varicella zoster virus in the distribution of the first division of the trigeminal nerve. An aggressive management of acute herpes zoster ophthalmicus with systemic antiviral medication is generally recommended as the standard first-line treatment for herpes zoster ophthalmicus infections. Both acyclovir and its prodrug valacyclovir are medications that are approved for the systemic treatment of herpes zoster. Although it is known that valacyclovir has an improved bioavailability and steadier plasma concentration, it is currently unclear as to whether this leads to better treatment results and less ocular complications.. To assess the effects of valacyclovir versus acyclovir for the systemic antiviral treatment of herpes zoster ophthalmicus in immunocompetent patients.. We searched CENTRAL (which contains the Cochrane Eyes and Vision Trials Register; 2016, Issue 5), Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid MEDLINE In-Process and Other Non-Indexed Citations, Ovid MEDLINE Daily, Ovid OLDMEDLINE (January 1946 to June 2016), Embase (January 1980 to June 2016), Web of Science Conference Proceedings Citation Index-Science (CPCI-S; January 1990 to June 2016), BIOSIS Previews (January 1969 to June 2016), the ISRCTN registry (www.isrctn.com/editAdvancedSearch), ClinicalTrials.gov (www.clinicaltrials.gov), and the World Health Organization (WHO) International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP; www.who.int/ictrp/search/en). We did not use any date or language restrictions in the electronic searches for trials. We last searched the electronic databases on 13 June 2016.. We considered all randomised controlled trials (RCTs) in which systemic valacyclovir was compared to systemic acyclovir medication for treatment of herpes zoster ophthalmicus. There were no language restrictions.. Two review authors independently selected trials, evaluated the risk of bias in included trials, and extracted and analysed data. We did not conduct a meta-analysis, as only one study was included. We assessed the certainty of the evidence for the selected outcomes using the GRADE approach.. One study fulfilled the inclusion criteria. In this multicentre, randomised double-masked study carried out in France, 110 immunocompetent people with herpes zoster ophthalmicus, diagnosed within 72 hours of skin eruption, were treated, with 56 participants allocated to the valacyclovir group and 54 to the acyclovir group. The study was poorly reported and we judged it to be unclear risk of bias for most domains.Persistent ocular lesions after 6 months were observed in 2/56 people in the valacyclovir group compared with 1/54 people in the acyclovir group (risk ratio (RR) 1.93 (95% CI 0.18 to 20.65); very low certainty evidence. Dendritic ulcer appeared in 3/56 patients treated with valacyclovir, while 1/54 suffered in the acyclovir group (RR 2.89; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.31 to 26.96); very low certainty evidence), uveitis in 7/56 people in the valacyclovir group compared with 9/54 in the acyclovir group (RR 0.96; 95% CI 0.36 to 2.57); very low certainty evidence). Similarly, there was uncertainty as to the comparative effects of these two treatments on post-herpetic pain, and side effects (vomiting, eyelid or facial edema, disseminated zoster). Due to concerns about imprecision (small number of events and large confidence intervals) and study limitations, the certainty of evidence using the GRADE approach was rated as low to very low for the use of valacyclovir compared to acyclovir.. This review included data from only one study, which had methodological limitations. As such, our results indicated uncertainty of the relative benefits and harms of valacyclovir over acyclovir in herpes zoster ophthalmicus, despite its widespread use for this condition. Further well-designed and adequately powered trials are needed. These trials should include outcomes important to patients, including compliance.

Topics: Acyclovir; Antiviral Agents; Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus; Humans; Immunocompetence; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Valacyclovir; Valine

Topics: Acetaminophen; Acyclovir; Administration, Oral; Adult; Aged; Analgesics, Non-Narcotic; Antiviral Agents; Chickenpox; Child, Preschool; Female; Herpes Simplex; Herpes Zoster; Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus; Humans; Immunocompetence; Infant, Newborn; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications, Infectious; Prognosis; Recurrence; Seroepidemiologic Studies; Valacyclovir; Valine

Evaluation of evidence-based strategies for managing herpes zoster (HZ) and the pain of postherpetic neuralgia (PHN).. Approximately 20% of the world's population suffers from herpes zoster at least once in a lifetime, with 10% to 20% having ophthalmic involvement. Treatment of the acute disease with oral antivirals may reduce the incidence and severity of complications but does not reliably prevent PHN or postherpetic itch (PHI). The acute pain abates as the acute phase resolves; the long-term pain of PHN or PHI may be severe and difficult to manage. Although many therapeutic agents have efficacy in the management of these complications, relief is frequently partial for months to the remainder of the lifetime.. Literature review was performed using the resources of the Harvard Medical School/Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary Ophthalmic library as well as the National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health PubMed service searching by pertinent topics, authors, and journals.. If started within 72 hours of the onset of the acute HZ rash, the oral antiviral agents acyclovir, valacyclovir, and famciclovir significantly shorten the periods of acute pain, virus shedding, rash, acute and late-onset anterior segment complications, and, in the case of valacyclovir and famciclovir, the incidence and severity of PHN. However, these medications do not prevent PHN, which remains a common and debilitating complication of HZ in older patients, requiring assiduous pain management. Tricyclic antidepressants, antiseizure drugs, opioids, and topical analgesics all offer some pain relief, and may be combined.. Options are available to manage HZ and reduce the pain of PHN. However, prevention, now possible with the HZ vaccine, is preferable to treatment.

Topics: 2-Aminopurine; Acyclovir; Analgesics; Analgesics, Opioid; Anticonvulsants; Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic; Antiviral Agents; Drug Therapy, Combination; Famciclovir; Glucocorticoids; Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus; Humans; Neuralgia, Postherpetic; Valacyclovir; Valine

To review the evidence regarding treatment of herpes zoster (HZ) in the short-term, focusing on the prevention of postherpetic neuralgia (PHN).. The evidence relating to treatment of HZ is derived mainly from randomized controlled trials (level I evidence).. Antiviral drugs might have some effect on the severity of acute pain and on the duration of skin lesions. Corticosteroids also alleviate acute pain. Oral antiviral medication reduces the risk of eye complications in patients with ophthalmic HZ. There is no convincing evidence that antiviral medication reduces the risk of PHN. Some studies, however, have shown that famciclovir and valacyclovir shorten the duration of PHN. The effectiveness of amitriptyline or cutaneous and percutaneous interventions in preventing PHN has not been proven.. Oral antiviral drugs should be prescribed to elderly HZ patients with high risk of PHN. Moreover, these drugs should be prescribed to all patients at the first signs of ophthalmic HZ, irrespective of age or severity of symptoms.

Topics: 2-Aminopurine; Acyclovir; Antiviral Agents; Famciclovir; Glucocorticoids; Herpes Zoster; Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus; Humans; Neuralgia, Postherpetic; Prednisolone; Time Factors; Valacyclovir; Valine

Topics: 2-Aminopurine; Acyclovir; Adult; Aged; Antiviral Agents; Chickenpox; Child; Child, Preschool; Diagnosis, Differential; Famciclovir; Female; Herpes Zoster; Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus; Herpes Zoster Oticus; Humans; Immunocompromised Host; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Male; Middle Aged; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications, Infectious; Prodrugs; Valacyclovir; Valine

The purpose of this study was to describe the rationale and design of the Zoster Eye Disease Study (ZEDS).. ZEDS is a National Eye Institute-supported randomized clinical trial designed to determine whether 1 year of suppressive valacyclovir in patients with herpes zoster ophthalmicus (HZO) reduces complications because there is currently no high-quality evidence to support its use. Eligible patients are 18 years and older, immunocompetent, have a history of a typical rash at disease onset, and have had a record of active epithelial or stromal keratitis or iritis within 1 year before enrollment. Exclusion criteria include estimated glomerular filtration rate less than 45 or pregnancy. The primary endpoint is the time to first occurrence of new or worsening dendriform epithelial keratitis, stromal keratitis without or with ulceration, endothelial keratitis, or iritis due to HZO during 12 months of study treatment requiring prespecified treatment changes. The study has 80% power to detect a 30% difference between treatment groups, with a 30% rate of endpoints by 1 year assumed among controls. Secondary and exploratory questions include whether there is a persistent treatment benefit during the 6 months after treatment, whether development of postherpetic neuralgia varies by treatment group, and whether vaccinations against herpes zoster affect study outcomes and coronavirus disease 19 status.. Over approximately 4 years, over 400 study participants have been enrolled.. ZEDS aims to provide scientific evidence on whether suppressive valacyclovir treatment improves outcomes in HZO and should become the standard of care.

Topics: Antiviral Agents; COVID-19; Herpes Zoster; Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus; Humans; Neuralgia, Postherpetic; Valacyclovir

To present the results of a survey of the Zoster Eye Disease Study (ZEDS) investigators regarding barriers to the enrollment of study participants and approaches to overcome them.. ZEDS is a multicenter randomized clinical trial supported by the National Eye Institute to determine whether prolonged suppressive valacyclovir reduces the complications of herpes zoster ophthalmicus (HZO), relative to placebo. Enrollment of study participants is currently far below expectations. An institutional review board-approved anonymous internet survey was conducted of ZEDS investigators to study their experiences and opinions regarding barriers to enrollment and various approaches to overcome them.. The overall survey response rate was 54% (79/145). Only 29% (23/79) agreed that it is easy to enroll study participants. Regarding patient barriers, 69% (55/79) agreed that HZO patients want to be treated with antiviral medication and 69% (54/78) agreed that HZO patients on antivirals do not want to be randomized. Regarding personal barriers facing investigators, 91% (72/79) agreed that antivirals are effective and 100% that the research questions ZEDS is designed to answer are very important. Fewer than 30% of respondents believed that steps taken to increase enrollment have been very helpful. Over half (54%, 42/78) believed that advertising on social media would be moderately or very effective.. Belief among ZEDS investigators that antivirals are effective, and the preference of patients to be treated with antivirals rather than be randomized in ZEDS, are major barriers to enrollment. New approaches to overcoming barriers are necessary to develop an evidence-based standard of care for treatment of HZO.

Topics: Antiviral Agents; Attitude of Health Personnel; Eligibility Determination; Female; Health Care Surveys; Health Services Accessibility; Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus; Humans; Male; Patient Participation; Patient Preference; Patient Selection; Valacyclovir

To compare the efficacy and safety of valaciclovir and acyclovir in immunocompetent patients with herpes zoster ophthalmicus.. A multicenter, randomized, double-masked study.. One hundred ten immunocompetent patients with herpes zoster ophthalmicus diagnosed within 72 hours of skin eruption were treated; 56 were allocated to the valaciclovir group and 54 to the acyclovir group.. Patients randomized to the valaciclovir group received two 500-mg tablets of valaciclovir three times daily and one tablet of placebo twice daily. Patients in the acyclovir group received one 800-mg tablet of acyclovir five times daily and one tablet of placebo three times daily for 7 days.. Main outcome measures included the frequency, severity, and duration of ocular complications, patient reports of zoster-associated pain, and the outcome of skin lesions. Tolerance was also assessed on the incidence and types of adverse effects and changes in laboratory parameters. The analysis was mainly descriptive and performed on an intent-to-treat basis.. Ocular complications of herpes zoster ophthalmicus were similar in the valaciclovir and acyclovir treatment groups. The main complications were conjunctivitis (54% and 52%, respectively), superficial keratitis (39% and 48%, respectively for punctate keratitis; 11% in each group for dendritic keratitis), stromal keratitis (13% in each group), and uveitis (13% and 17%, respectively). The long-term outcomes of these ocular complications were favorable and similar in both treatment groups. Pain duration and severity and outcome of skin lesions were similar between groups. Most patients reported prodromal pain. After 1 month, 25% of patients in the valaciclovir group and 31% in the acyclovir group still reported pain. The percentage of patients experiencing postherpetic neuralgia decreased during follow-up. The tolerance to acyclovir and valaciclovir was comparable and considered good. The most frequent adverse events were vomiting and edema of the eyelids or face (3%-5%). Three serious adverse events not linked to the study drugs occurred.. Valaciclovir is as effective as acyclovir in preventing ocular complications of herpes zoster ophthalmicus, including conjunctivitis, superficial and stromal keratitis, and pain. Tolerability of the two drugs is similar, but the dosing schedule of valaciclovir is simpler.

Topics: Acyclovir; Administration, Oral; Antiviral Agents; Conjunctivitis, Viral; Double-Blind Method; Female; Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus; Humans; Immunocompetence; Keratitis; Male; Middle Aged; Pain; Safety; Tablets; Uveitis; Valacyclovir; Valine

Acyclovir treatment of acute herpes zoster speeds rash healing and decreases pain and ocular complications. The limited oral bioavailability of acyclovir necessitates frequent dosing. Valaciclovir, the l-valyl ester of acyclovir, is rapidly and almost completely converted to acyclovir in vivo and gives three- to fivefold increases in acyclovir bioavailability. In a randomized, double-blind, multicenter study, the safety and efficacy of oral valaciclovir given at a dosage of 1,000 mg three times daily for 7 or 14 days and oral acyclovir given at a dosage of 800 mg five times daily for 7 days were compared in immunocompetent adults aged > or = 50 years with herpes zoster. Patients were evaluated for 6 months. The intent-to-treat analysis (1,141 patients) showed that valaciclovir for 7 or 14 days significantly accelerated the resolution of herpes zoster-associated pain (P = 0.001 and P = 0.03, respectively) compared with acyclovir; median pain durations were 38 and 44 days, respectively, versus 51 days for acyclovir. Treatment with valaciclovir also significantly reduced the duration of postherpetic neuralgia and decreased the proportion of patients with pain persisting for 6 months (19.3 versus 25.7%). However, there were no differences between treatments in pain intensity or quality-of-life measures. Cutaneous manifestations resolved at similar rates in all groups. Adverse events were similar in nature and prevalence among groups, and no clinically important changes occurred in hematology or clinical chemistry parameters. Thus, in the management of immunocompetent patients > or = 50 years of age with localized herpes zoster, valaciclovir given at 1,000 mg three times daily for 7 days accelerates the resolution of pain and offers simpler dosing, while it maintains the favorable safety profile of acyclovir.

Topics: Acyclovir; Administration, Oral; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Analgesics; Antiviral Agents; Double-Blind Method; Drug Administration Schedule; Female; Herpes Zoster; Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus; Humans; Immunocompetence; Male; Middle Aged; Neuralgia; Pain; Quality of Life; Valacyclovir; Valine

Varicella zoster reactivation is an increasingly recognised event following mRNA COVID-19 vaccination. In addition, various ocular inflammatory and infectious adverse events following COVID-19 vaccination have been described in the literature. This case report describes acute retinal necrosis (ARN) secondary to varicella zoster virus (VZV) reactivation following COVID-19 mRNA vaccination.. A 42-year-old immunocompetent man developed left ARN 12 days following first dose of Pfizer BioNTech mRNA COVID-19 vaccination. Aqueous and vitreous tap polymerase chain reaction testing was positive for VZV. Good visual outcome was achieved with combination therapy, including intravitreal foscarnet, oral valaciclovir and prednisolone, topical dexamethasone and atropine, and barrier retinal laser. Second dose of the vaccine is planned under cover of high-dose oral valaciclovir therapy.. This case illustrates the possible association between COVID-19 vaccination and potentially blinding VZV reactivation. Therefore, prompt ophthalmic assessment is recommended in patients with visual disturbance following COVID-19 vaccination.

Topics: Adult; Antiviral Agents; Chickenpox; COVID-19; COVID-19 Vaccines; Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus; Herpesvirus 3, Human; Humans; Male; Retinal Necrosis Syndrome, Acute; Vaccination; Valacyclovir

Ocular involvement due to varicella-zoster virus (VZV) infection includes conjunctivitis, scleritis, keratitis, uveitis, and necrotizing retinitis. Non-necrotizing chorioretinopathy as a late manifestation has been described.. A 50-year-old immunocompetent man developed herpes zoster ophthalmicus (HZO) in the right V1 dermatome with acute anterior uveitis (AAU) treated with oral valaciclovir and topical steroid and a chalazion in the upper eyelid with associated madarosis. Four months later, he presented recurrence of the AAU and multiple areas of chorioretinal atrophy on fundoscopy. Biopsy of the upper eyelid lesion revealed granulomatous inflammation of the eyelid margin and polymerase chain reaction study (PCR) tested positive for VZV-specific DNA. The iridocyclitis was resolved with oral valaciclovir at maximum doses with minimal choroidal pigmentary changes.. VZV ophthalmic infection starts by reactivation from the trigeminal ganglion, and it spreads to the isthmus of the pilosebaceous follicles and the epidermis, which can cause involvement of follicle and sebaceous glands. Chorioretinopathy is a rare form of late-onset non-necrotizing herpetic uveitis characterized by atrophic-appearing hypopigmented lesions, the pathogenesis of which is unknown. A direct viral infection or secondary to occlusive choroidal vasculitis is postulated at the level of the choriocapillaris and more recently it has been referred to as "choroidal vitiligo" due to possible involvement of choroidal melanocytes, as occurs in cases of cutaneous vitiligo due to VZV infection.

Topics: Atrophy; Eyelids; Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus; Herpesvirus 3, Human; Humans; Iridocyclitis; Male; Middle Aged; Retinal Diseases; Uveitis; Uveitis, Anterior; Valacyclovir; Vitiligo

As the understanding of COVID-19 infection becomes better, it is being recognized as a complex multisystem pathology rather than just affecting the lungs. Several ocular findings have been documented by researchers in individuals infected with COVID-19, and ocular symptoms may even be the first presenting feature of COVID-19 infection in 2.26% individuals. Several countries have started vaccination with inactivated or live vaccines to combat this pandemic, and varied side effects have been reported after vaccination. Few cases of herpes zoster have previously been reported in elderly patients with comorbidities after receiving COVID-19 vaccines. In this article, the authors described 2 interesting cases of herpes zoster ophthalmicus (HZO) after receiving a live COVID-19 vaccine. The first case was a 35-year-old immunocompetent man who developed HZO 3 days postvaccine. The second case was a 40-year-old immunocompetent man who developed HZO 28 days postvaccine. To the best of our knowledge, no literature to date has described HZO after live vaccine.

Topics: Acyclovir; Administration, Ophthalmic; Administration, Oral; Adult; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Antiviral Agents; ChAdOx1 nCoV-19; Conjunctivitis, Viral; COVID-19; Drug Therapy, Combination; Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus; Humans; Male; Moxifloxacin; SARS-CoV-2; Vaccination; Valacyclovir; Visual Acuity

Topics: Antiviral Agents; Eye Infections, Viral; Fluorescein Angiography; Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus; Herpesvirus 3, Human; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Multimodal Imaging; Photography; Retinal Necrosis Syndrome, Acute; Slit Lamp Microscopy; Valacyclovir; Visual Acuity

To report a case of herpes zoster ophthalmicus (HZO) reactivation after recombinant zoster vaccination.. A 78-year-old woman, with a history of HZO 20 years ago, was referred for progressive corneal thinning in her left eye that started 1 week after her second dose of recombinant zoster vaccination.. At presentation, visual acuity was counting fingers. Corneal sensation was markedly decreased. Slit lamp examination revealed a temporal paracentral epithelial defect 1.5 × 2.0 mm in size with 40% thinning and surrounding stromal inflammation suggestive of stromal keratitis with ulceration. The patient was started on oral valacyclovir, topical erythromycin ointment, and hourly topical lubrication. A bandage contact lens was placed and was replaced 1 week later with self-retained cryopreserved amniotic membrane ring. The ring was removed in the following week when the thinned area was epithelialized with no further evidence of stromal lysis.. HZO reactivation after recombinant zoster vaccination is uncommon but possible. Ophthalmologists should remain aware of potential risks of zoster vaccination and take special precautions in patients with HZO history.

Topics: Aged; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Antiviral Agents; Drug Therapy, Combination; Erythromycin; Eye Infections, Viral; Female; Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus; Herpes Zoster Vaccine; Herpesvirus 3, Human; Humans; Immunization, Secondary; Latent Infection; Moxifloxacin; Vaccination; Valacyclovir; Virus Activation; Visual Acuity

Herpes zoster ophthalmicus usually presents with ocular manifestations, but neurological complications are much more infrequent. An 84-year-old woman with herpes zoster of the left first trigeminal branch developed herpetic keratouveitis in her left eye despite treatment with oral valaciclovir. Seven days later, a progressive and total left ophthalmoplegia appeared, requiring hospital admission and intravenous treatment with acyclovir and corticosteroids. The neuroimaging was suggestive of an orbital apex syndrome. The evolution of the ophthalmoplegia was favourable, with complete resolution at 5 months, but with decreased visual acuity due to the optic nerve involvement.

Topics: Acyclovir; Aged, 80 and over; Female; Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus; Herpesvirus 3, Human; Humans; Ophthalmoplegia; Valacyclovir

To describe and to compare the clinical manifestation and laboratory test results of herpetic anterior uveitis (HAU) caused by Herpes simplex virus (HSV) and varicella-zoster virus (VZV).. A retrospective, observational study on patients diagnosed with HAU. Etiology, clinical features, ocular complications, and recurrences of the infection were evaluated as main clinical parameters. The aqueous Interleukin-8 (IL-8) level was also measured to assess the intraocular inflammation.. Thirty-two eyes (32 patients) were involved. Among all involved cases, 24 had VZV-AU and 8 had HSV-AU. Common clinical features of HAU included the presence of KPs (90.6%), distorted pupil (83.3%), Iris atrophy (71.9%) and corneal edema (50%). The intraocular fluid analysis showed higher viral load and IL-8 level in VZV-AU.. Compared with HSV-AU, the intraocular inflammation was more severe in VZV-AU. The intraocular fluid analysis was valuable for the etiological diagnosis and the evaluation of disease severity.

Topics: Acyclovir; Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Antiviral Agents; Aqueous Humor; Asian People; China; Drug Therapy, Combination; Eye Infections, Viral; Female; Glucocorticoids; Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus; Herpesviridae Infections; Herpesvirus 3, Human; Humans; Interleukin-8; Male; Middle Aged; Referral and Consultation; Retrospective Studies; Simplexvirus; Uveitis, Anterior; Valacyclovir; Viral Load; Visual Acuity; Young Adult

A 43-year-old previously healthy man presented to the primary care clinic with concurrent ipsilateral viral parotitis and herpes zoster ophthalmicus. The patient experienced painful swelling below the right ear as well as painful vesicles on the right forehead, eyelid and cheek in the V1 dermatomal region. There were no lesions in the oral cavity or nose. Antibody titres confirmed active varicella zoster virus in the absence of mumps or herpes simplex virus 1 and 2 and unilateral parotitis were confirmed to be non-suppurative by the patient's primary care physician and the neurologist. Both conditions resolved within 3 weeks with appropriate treatment.

Topics: Adult; Antiviral Agents; Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus; Herpesvirus 3, Human; Humans; Male; Parotitis; Valacyclovir

Varicella-zoster virus is a common cause of morbidity and vision loss in patients worldwide. It can affect any structure of the eye, from keratitis to acute retinal necrosis. Rapid diagnosis and treatment significantly improve clinical outcomes and quality of life.. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate a case where urgent referral to the emergency department was required to treat a patient with disseminated herpes zoster infection.. This is a rare case of varicella-zoster virus encephalitis in a 70-year-old immunocompetent white man who initially presented to the eye clinic for vertical diplopia and floaters. He also had prior thoracic dermatomal rash, followed by new-onset headaches and cerebellar ataxia. Examination revealed a partial oculomotor nerve palsy in the right eye with bilateral optic disc edema and areas of retinitis consistent with acute retinal necrosis in both eyes. Polymerase chain reaction analysis of his aqueous humor and cerebrospinal fluid confirmed an active zoster infection. He received combination systemic and intravitreal antiviral medication until his retinitis resolved but required adjustments for recalcitrant disease and drug-induced nephrotoxicity. While on maintenance dosing of oral valacyclovir, he experienced reactivation in the form of bilateral vasculitis, which was successfully managed once restarting therapeutic oral dosing.. This case describes a successful clinical course of acute retinal necrosis with strategies for its treatment in the setting of varicella-zoster encephalitis. Antiviral medication should be given as soon as possible, as prompt treatment has been shown to improve patient outcomes, although prognosis is typically poor in these cases. Multiple specialists are often needed to address different clinical challenges, including central nervous system involvement, viral strain resistance, disease reactivation, and drug toxicity.

Topics: Aged; Antiviral Agents; Aqueous Humor; Cerebrospinal Fluid; Drug Therapy, Combination; Encephalitis, Varicella Zoster; Eye Infections, Viral; Foscarnet; Glucocorticoids; Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus; Herpesvirus 3, Human; Humans; Infusions, Intravenous; Intravitreal Injections; Male; Oculomotor Nerve Diseases; Polymerase Chain Reaction; Prednisolone; Quality of Life; Retinal Necrosis Syndrome, Acute; Valacyclovir; Visual Acuity

A 14-year-old girl developed transient disturbance of consciousness, dysarthria, and clumsiness of the right upper limb 4 months after herpes zoster ophthalmicus. Brain MRI showed acute cerebral infarction in the left middle cerebral artery (MCA) territory. CT angiography demonstrated mild stenosis in the top of the left internal carotid artery and the proximal side of the MCA. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) examination showed slightly mononuclear pleocytosis (6/μl). Titer of the anti-varicella zoster virus (VZV) IgG antibodies in CSF was increased, and gadolinium-enhanced brain MRI (T

Topics: Acyclovir; Adolescent; Antibodies, Viral; Antiviral Agents; Biomarkers; Brain; Cerebral Infarction; Drug Therapy, Combination; Female; Fibrinolytic Agents; Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus; Herpesvirus 3, Human; Humans; Immunoglobulin G; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Methylprednisolone; Time Factors; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Treatment Outcome; Valacyclovir; Valine

To describe atypical varicella zoster virus (VZV) retinitis in a patient with Good syndrome.. A 63-year-old patient with Good syndrome presented with bilateral necrotizing retinitis starting from the posterior pole. He had a history of thymoma status post thymectomy 4 years previously, left-sided sinusitis, and recent pulmonary aspergillosis. Qualitative PCR was performed on aqueous fluid.. Immunological investigations revealed reduced levels of CD4. Good syndrome should be considered in a patient with opportunistic infections and history of thymoma in the absence of human immunodeficiency virus. Atypical retinitis can occur in patients with Good syndrome and quantitative PCR is important for accurate diagnosis.

Topics: Acyclovir; Agammaglobulinemia; Antiviral Agents; Aqueous Humor; CD4 Lymphocyte Count; DNA, Viral; Eye Infections, Viral; Fluorescein Angiography; Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus; Herpesvirus 3, Human; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Polymerase Chain Reaction; Retinitis; Thymoma; Thymus Neoplasms; Valacyclovir; Valine; Visual Acuity

Progressive outer retinal necrosis (PORN) associated with varicella zoster virus (VZV) is usually diagnosed in HIV positive or immunosuppressed patients. We report two cases of immunocompetent patients with necrotizing viral retinitis found to have idiopathic CD4 lymphocytopenia.. Clinical presentation, examination, imaging, and laboratory testing of two patients with VZV retinitis are presented.. An HIV negative patient with history of herpes zoster presented with rapid loss of vision and examination consistent with PORN. PCR testing confirmed VZV. Lymphocytopenia was noted with a CD4 count of 25/mm(3). A second HIV negative patient presented with blurred vision and lid swelling and was found to have peripheral VZV retinitis confirmed by PCR. Laboratory workup revealed lymphocytopenia with a CD4 count of 133/mm(3).. VZV necrotizing retinitis classic for PORN can occur in HIV negative patients. Idiopathic CD4 lymphocytopenia should be considered healthy patients who develop ocular infections seen in the immunocompromised.

Topics: Acyclovir; Adult; Antiviral Agents; CD4 Lymphocyte Count; CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes; Fluorescein Angiography; Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus; Herpesvirus 3, Human; HIV Seronegativity; Humans; Lymphopenia; Male; Middle Aged; Polymerase Chain Reaction; Retinal Necrosis Syndrome, Acute; Tomography, Optical Coherence; Valacyclovir; Valine; Vitrectomy

To study corneal reinnervation and sensation recovery in Herpes zoster ophthalmicus (HZO).. Two patients with HZO were studied over time with serial corneal esthesiometry and laser in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM). A Boston keratoprosthesis type 1 was implanted, and the explanted corneal tissues were examined by immunofluorescence histochemistry for βIII-tubulin to stain for corneal nerves.. The initial central corneal IVCM performed in each patient showed a complete lack of the subbasal nerve plexus, which was in accordance with severe loss of sensation (0 of 6 cm) measured by esthesiometry. When IVCM was repeated 2 years later before undergoing surgery, case 1 showed a persistent lack of central subbasal nerves and sensation (0 of 6). In contrast, case 2 showed regeneration of the central subbasal nerves (4786 μm/mm) with partial recovery of corneal sensation (2.5 of 6 cm). Immunostaining of the explanted corneal button in case 1 showed no corneal nerves, whereas case 2 showed central and peripheral corneal nerves. Eight months after surgery, IVCM was again repeated in the donor tissue around the Boston keratoprosthesis in both patients to study innervation of the corneal transplant. Case 1 showed no nerves, whereas case 2 showed new nerves growing from the periphery into the corneal graft.. We demonstrate that regaining corneal innervation and corneal function are possible in patients with HZO as shown by corneal sensation, IVCM, and ex vivo immunostaining, indicating zoster neural damage is not always permanent and it may recover over an extended period of time.

Topics: Acyclovir; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Antiviral Agents; Artificial Organs; Cornea; Eye Infections, Viral; Female; Fluorescent Antibody Technique, Indirect; Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus; Humans; Microscopy, Confocal; Nerve Regeneration; Prosthesis Implantation; Recovery of Function; Sensation; Trigeminal Nerve; Tubulin; Valacyclovir; Valine

Topics: Acyclovir; Administration, Oral; Adult; Antiviral Agents; Blepharitis; Eye Infections, Viral; Eyelid Diseases; Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus; Herpesvirus 3, Human; Humans; Male; Skin Ulcer; Valacyclovir; Valine

Topics: Acyclovir; Administration, Oral; Antiviral Agents; Chorioretinitis; Drug Combinations; Exudates and Transudates; Eye Infections, Viral; Fluorescein Angiography; Foscarnet; Glucocorticoids; Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus; Herpesvirus 3, Human; Humans; Intravitreal Injections; Male; Middle Aged; Ophthalmic Solutions; Parasympatholytics; Retinal Detachment; Retinal Necrosis Syndrome, Acute; Tropanes; Valacyclovir; Valine

To report a case of Acute Retinal Necrosis (ARN)-developed nephrotoxicity during intravenous acyclovir treatment and toxic hepatitis during oral valacyclovir treatment.. Interventional case report.. Retrospective chart review.. A 45-year-old male with ARN treated with intravenous acyclovir developed nephrotoxicity. After switching to oral valacyclovir, toxic hepatitis developed. Both renal and liver function tests returned to normal levels after drug cessation. Although rare, clinicians should be aware of the potential nephrotoxic and hepatotoxic side effects of antiviral therapy during ARN treatment.

Topics: Acyclovir; Antiviral Agents; DNA, Viral; Eye Infections, Viral; Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus; Herpesvirus 3, Human; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Polymerase Chain Reaction; Renal Insufficiency; Retinal Necrosis Syndrome, Acute; Valacyclovir; Valine

Topics: Acyclovir; Antiviral Agents; Eyelid Diseases; Female; Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus; Humans; Middle Aged; Treatment Outcome; Valacyclovir; Valine

Topics: Acyclovir; Adolescent; Antiviral Agents; Aqueous Humor; Chorioretinitis; DNA, Viral; Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus; Herpesvirus 3, Human; Humans; Male; Polymerase Chain Reaction; Tomography, Optical Coherence; Valacyclovir; Valine; Visual Acuity

Topics: Acyclovir; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Antiviral Agents; DNA, Viral; Female; Fluorescein Angiography; Herpes Simplex; Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus; Herpesvirus 2, Human; Herpesvirus 3, Human; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Polymerase Chain Reaction; Retinal Artery Occlusion; Retinal Necrosis Syndrome, Acute; Retinal Vein Occlusion; Valacyclovir; Valine; Visual Acuity

Topics: Acyclovir; Aged, 80 and over; Antiviral Agents; Cell Count; Corneal Edema; Drug Therapy, Combination; Endothelium, Corneal; Glucocorticoids; Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus; Herpes Zoster Vaccine; Humans; Male; Prednisolone; Uveitis, Anterior; Valacyclovir; Valine; Visual Acuity

To report a case of progressive outer retinal necrosis (PORN) presenting as a cherry red spot.. Case report.. A 53-year-old woman with recently diagnosed HIV and varicella-zoster virus (VZV) aseptic meningitis developed rapid sequential vision loss in both eyes over 2 months. Her exam showed a "cherry red spot" in both maculae with peripheral atrophy and pigmentary changes, consistent with PORN. Due to her late presentation and the rapid progression of her condition, she quickly developed end-stage vision loss in both eyes.. PORN should be considered within the differential diagnosis of a "cherry red spot." Immune-deficient patients with a history of herpetic infection who present with visual loss warrant prompt ophthalmological evaluation.

Topics: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome; Acyclovir; AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections; Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active; Antiviral Agents; Blindness; Disease Progression; Eye Infections, Viral; Female; Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus; Humans; Middle Aged; Mucolipidoses; Retinal Necrosis Syndrome, Acute; Valacyclovir; Valine

Topics: Acyclovir; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; DNA, Viral; Drug Therapy, Combination; Eye Infections, Viral; Female; Ganciclovir; Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus; Herpes Zoster Vaccine; Herpesvirus 3, Human; Humans; Male; Polymerase Chain Reaction; Retinal Necrosis Syndrome, Acute; Vaccination; Valacyclovir; Valine; Visual Acuity

Topics: Acyclovir; Antiviral Agents; DNA, Viral; Drug Therapy, Combination; Female; Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus; Herpesvirus 3, Human; Humans; Keratitis, Dendritic; Male; Middle Aged; Polymerase Chain Reaction; Valacyclovir; Valine

Complete oculomotor nerve palsy with pupillary involvement is a neuro-ophthalmologic emergency because it is commonly caused by a compressive aneurysm at the junction of the posterior communicating artery and the internal carotid artery. If left untreated, this condition can be potentially fatal within days. The present report describes a 45-year-old African American woman with human immunodeficiency virus who presented with complaint of new-onset nonspecific headache, acute onset of complete oculomotor nerve palsy, and a dilated pupil of the right eye. Results of standard work-up for aneurysm and other etiologic factors were negative. Ten days after presentation, papulovesicular eruptions occurred over the V1 and V2 dermatomes, revealing herpes zoster ophthalmicus. The present case may be the first to identify a patient with complete ophthalmoplegia with pupil involvement as a pre-eruptive manifestation of herpes zoster. The literature on epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and current treatment options for this rare form of shingles are reviewed.

Topics: Acyclovir; Antiviral Agents; Female; Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus; Humans; Middle Aged; Ophthalmoplegia; Pupil; Valacyclovir; Valine

Acute retinal necrosis (ARN) is a distinct ocular viral syndrome traditionally treated with intravenous acyclovir followed by oral acyclovir. We investigated the use of the oral antiviral medications valacyclovir and famciclovir as the sole treatment for patients with newly diagnosed ARN syndrome.. Retrospective, uncontrolled, interventional case series.. Eight consecutive patients with newly diagnosed ARN treated solely with oral antiviral medications.. All patients received famciclovir or valacyclovir without antecedent intravenous therapy. One patient with bilateral ARN treated with famciclovir received a single intravitreal injection of foscarnet in the more severely involved eye.. Clinically and photographically documented complete resolution of retinitis and best-corrected visual acuity on final follow-up.. Active retinitis resolved completely in 10/10 (100%) affected eyes. Initial response to treatment was seen as early as 4 days (in 5 eyes), with a median time to complete resolution of 14 days. At the last examination, visual acuity was improved (> or = 2 Snellen lines) in 6 (60%) eyes, stable in 2 (20%) eyes, and worse in 2 (20%) eyes. Over a mean follow-up of 36 weeks (range, 7-72 weeks), 3 eyes developed rhegmatogenous retinal detachment that was successfully repaired with 1 vitrectomy surgery. No patient with initially unilateral involvement developed disease in the contralateral eye.. In this pilot study, the use of the oral drugs valacyclovir and famciclovir resulted in complete regression of herpetic necrotizing retinitis. Additional studies are necessary to evaluate the role of these antiherpetic medications in the treatment of the ARN syndrome.

Topics: 2-Aminopurine; Acyclovir; Administration, Oral; Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Antiviral Agents; Eye Infections, Viral; Famciclovir; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Herpes Simplex; Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus; Humans; Male; Pilot Projects; Retinal Necrosis Syndrome, Acute; Retrospective Studies; Valacyclovir; Valine; Visual Acuity

Topics: 2-Aminopurine; Acyclovir; Administration, Oral; Antiviral Agents; Eye Infections, Viral; Famciclovir; Herpes Simplex; Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus; Humans; Retinal Necrosis Syndrome, Acute; Valacyclovir; Valine; Visual Acuity

To explore the possibility of oral antiviral therapy in lieu of intravenous acyclovir for treating acute retinal necrosis (ARN), a necrotizing retinopathy caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 or 2 or by varicella zoster virus.. Retrospective, interventional, small case series.. Four patients (6 eyes).. Patients were treated with oral antiviral therapy. Medications included valacyclovir (1 g 3 times daily), oral famciclovir (500 mg 3 times daily), and topical and oral corticosteroids.. Improvement of symptoms, including photophobia, blurred vision, ocular discomfort, and floaters; increase in visual acuity; and resolution of vitreitis, retinitis, and retinal vasculitis, where present.. Symptoms and visual acuity improved within 2 weeks to 1 month in 3 of 4 patients (75%) treated with oral antiviral medication. One patient required surgical treatment for asymptomatic retinal detachment after 3 weeks of treatment; retinal detachment in the fellow eye was repaired 2 months later. Duration of antiviral therapy ranged from 5 weeks to 3 months.. For 4 patients with relatively indolent cases of ARN, oral antiviral therapy alone was effective in eliminating signs and symptoms of the disease. In particular, oral valacyclovir and famciclovir appeared to be effective, although further study is necessary to determine whether these drugs are as effective as intravenous acyclovir for initial treatment of ARN.

Topics: 2-Aminopurine; Acyclovir; Administration, Oral; Adult; Aged; Antiviral Agents; Cytomegalovirus Retinitis; Drug Therapy, Combination; Famciclovir; Female; Glucocorticoids; Herpes Simplex; Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus; Herpesvirus 1, Human; Herpesvirus 2, Human; Herpesvirus 3, Human; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Retinal Necrosis Syndrome, Acute; Retrospective Studies; Valacyclovir; Valine; Visual Acuity; Vitreous Body

We report a case of a 73-year-old patient with complete ophthalmoplegia following an episode of ophthalmic herpes zoster. MRI showed an associated ipsilateral temporal meningioma with cavernous sinus extension. We discuss the possible responsibility of these two conditions in the ocular motor signs.

Topics: Acyclovir; Aged; Anisocoria; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Antiviral Agents; Blepharoptosis; Brain Neoplasms; Female; Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus; Humans; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Meningioma; Methylprednisolone; Ophthalmoplegia; Temporal Lobe; Valacyclovir; Valine; Visual Acuity

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.

Topics: Acyclovir; Aged; Antiviral Agents; Biopsy; Diagnosis, Differential; Female; Giant Cell Arteritis; Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus; Humans; Ophthalmic Nerve; Temporal Arteries; Valacyclovir; Valine

Topics: 2-Aminopurine; Acyclovir; Administration, Oral; Age Factors; Aged; Antiviral Agents; Famciclovir; Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Ointments; Time Factors; Trigeminal Ganglion; Trigeminal Nerve; Valacyclovir; Valine

Topics: Acyclovir; Administration, Oral; Adult; Aged; Antiviral Agents; Eye Infections, Viral; Herpes Simplex; Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus; Humans; Male; Retinal Necrosis Syndrome, Acute; Valacyclovir; Valine

Longitudinal analysis of varicella-zoster virus DNA on the ocular surface of patients with herpes zoster ophthalmicus.. Clinical specimens were obtained from the bulbar conjunctival surface with a cotton-tipped swab at weekly intervals for 6 consecutive weeks from 21 patients with acute ophthalmic zoster with a skin rash duration of less than 7 days. All patients received oral valacyclovir 1000 mg three times daily for 10 days without additional corticosteroids. The swabs were analyzed by means of polymerase chain reaction for the presence of varicella-zoster virus and herpes simplex virus type 1 DNA. Conjunctival swabs were also obtained from a control group of 20 patients with cataract.. On inclusion, varicella-zoster virus DNA was present on the ocular surface of 19 of the 21 patients. Six varicella-zoster virus DNA-positive patients had no signs of ocular inflammation. All control swabs were negative for both varicella-zoster virus and herpes simplex virus DNA. The duration of varicella-zoster virus DNA detection from rash onset varied from 2 to 34 days. The number of days between the onset of herpes zoster skin rash and the latest positive varicella-zoster virus DNA test was significantly longer in patients whose age was equal to or above the median age of 66 years than in the younger patients (Mann-Whitney test: P =.0004). At 6-week follow-up, all conjunctival swabs were negative for varicella-zoster virus DNA. However, at that time, the eyes of seven patients were still inflamed.. The duration of varicella-zoster virus DNA shedding in herpes zoster ophthalmicus is highly variable and age dependent, and is probably related to the host immune response.

Topics: Acyclovir; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Antiviral Agents; Conjunctiva; DNA Primers; DNA, Viral; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus; Herpesvirus 1, Human; Herpesvirus 3, Human; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Polymerase Chain Reaction; Time Factors; Valacyclovir; Valine; Virus Shedding

Infections with varicella zoster virus may involve the optic nerve and the retina. Different pathomechanisms have been discussed. We present a case with an autoimmune inflammatory reaction according to the clinical course.. A 69-year-old female was referred to our clinic because of suspected bilateral anterior ischemic optic neuropathy. She complained of severe visual loss the day before admission. Her ophthalmological and general history was unremarkable apart from treatment with 5 to 7.5 mg prednisolone alternately because of rheumatoid arthritis. Best corrected visual acuity was 1/15 OD and 0.1 OS. A relative afferent pupillary defect on the right eye was present. Optic disc oedema with multiple hemorrhages of the retina extending into the peripheral funds, slightly attenuated retinal arteries and macular oedema were seen fundoscopically in both eyes. THERAPY AND CLINICAL OUTCOME: After immediate treatment with steroids (initial dose 250 mg prednisolone per day) visual acuity improved. Because of a clinically suspected and serologically proven active varicella-zoster infection an additional virostatic therapy with valaciclovir was started and steroids were lowered gradually. Within 2 months, visual acuity increased to 0.8 OD and 1.0 OS. Oedema of optic discs and macula resolved and retinal hemorrhages disappeared.. A severe hemorrhagic neuro-retinitis involving the optic discs was seen in the course of a varicella-zoster infection, possibly reactivated by chronic steroid therapy of a rheumatoid arthritis. Because of the normalization of visual function an ischemic pathogenesis is unlikely. An autoimmune inflammatory reaction seems to be the predominant mechanism, supported by the good effect of steroid and valaciclovir therapy.

Topics: Acyclovir; Aged; Antiviral Agents; Diagnosis, Differential; Female; Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus; Herpesvirus 3, Human; Humans; Optic Nerve; Papilledema; Prednisolone; Retinitis; Valacyclovir; Valine

Topics: 2-Aminopurine; Acyclovir; Antiviral Agents; Famciclovir; Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus; Humans; Prodrugs; Valacyclovir; Valine