title: Herpes zoster ophthalmicus with delayed cerebral infarction and meningoencephalitis.
abstract: Herpes zoster ophthalmicus can be complicated by a delayed ipsilateral cerebral angiitis which may cause infarction and a smoldering meningoencephalitis. We describe such a case treated successfully with steroids and acyclovir. It is important to consider the diagnosis of this disorder early since therapeutic intervention may prevent an otherwise high morbidity and mortality. Steroids may have to be continued for some time after clinical resolution, using the ESR as a guideline for decreasing dosages.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, Wellesley Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
authors.forename: M S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Freedman
authors.forename: R D
authors.initials: RD
authors.lastname: Macdonald
mesh_terms: D000212:Acyclovir / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000368:Aged; D002544:Cerebral Infarction / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D006563:Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D008590:Meningoencephalitis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D011241:Prednisone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014657:Vasculitis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology
chemical_list: D011241:Prednisone; D000212:Acyclovir