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.
Department of Medicine, Mercy Hospital of Pittsburgh.
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Pusateri
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Muder
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