valacyclovir and Uveitis--Posterior

Aqueous humor analysis can be performed in severe atypical forms of posterior uveitis unresponsive to conventional treatment to exclude a viral infection.. Noncomparative interventional case series.. Thirty-seven immunocompetent patients seen with corticosteroid-resistant forms of posterior uveitis underwent extensive evaluation, including anterior chamber paracentesis, to rule out a nonnecrotizing viral retinopathy.. Aqueous fluid samples were prospectively obtained. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and serologic evaluation of intraocular antibody production against herpesviruses were performed by molecular techniques and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.. Polymerase chain reaction and local antibody production for herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2, varicella-zoster virus, cytomegalovirus, and Epstein-Barr virus were determined on aqueous fluid samples.. Viral infection was confirmed in 5 cases (13.5%). Clinical presentation included birdshot-like retinochoroidopathy, occlusive bilateral vasculitis, and cystoid macular edema. An antiviral regimen was initiated in all cases. Inflammation was stabilized, and steroid dosage could be significantly reduced.. Identification of a viral agent during severe posterior uveitis can dramatically change therapeutic management.

Topics: Acyclovir; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Antibodies, Viral; Antiviral Agents; Aqueous Humor; Diagnosis, Differential; Drug Therapy, Combination; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; Eye Infections, Viral; Female; Fluorescein Angiography; Glucocorticoids; Herpesviridae; Herpesviridae Infections; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Polymerase Chain Reaction; Prednisone; Retinal Diseases; Uveitis, Posterior; Valacyclovir; Valine