Fever, pulmonary infiltrates, and pleural effusion following acyclovir therapy for herpes zoster ophthalmicus.
A 71-year-old man presented with herpes zoster ophthalmicus and ocular involvement. Following the institution of intravenous therapy with acyclovir, the patient developed fever, hemoptysis, and a pleural friction rub. A ventilation-perfusion lung scan showed no defects; roentgenograms showed bilateral infiltrates and a left-sided pleural effusion. The fever abated promptly following discontinuation of acyclovir, and radiographic abnormalities resolved over ten days. No other anti-infective therapy was given. To our knowledge, the syndrome of fever, pulmonary infiltrates, and pleural effusion following use of acyclovir has not been previously reported.
Pusateri
D W
DW
Department of Medicine, Mercy Hospital of Pittsburgh.
Muder
R R
RR
D000212:Acyclovir / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000368:Aged; D005334:Fever / Q000139:chemically induced*; D006563:Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008168:Lung / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008171:Lung Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008297:Male; D010996:Pleural Effusion / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D011859:Radiography
D000212:Acyclovir