Herpes zoster ophthalmicus and the orbital apex syndrome.
Herpes zoster ophthalmicus (HZO) commonly causes isolated ophthalmoplegic syndromes. Visual loss caused by optic neuritis secondary to HZO can be reversible or irreversible. HZO rarely presents as an orbital apex syndrome, when an association with meningo-encephalitis has been reported. We report a case of orbital apex syndrome secondary to HZO treated with systemic steroids and acyclovir. Our patient suffered no systemic complications and displayed a rapid resolution of optic neuropathy. We discuss this case in the light of previous reports and explore the possible pathogenic mechanisms involved.
Royal Brisbane Hospital, Herston, Queensland.
R D
RD
Bourke
J
J
Pyle
D000212:Acyclovir / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000284:Administration, Oral; D005094:Exophthalmos / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D005260:Female; D006563:Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009801:Oculomotor Muscles / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D009901:Optic Nerve Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology; D009916:Orbital Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology*; D011241:Prednisone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013577:Syndrome; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed
D011241:Prednisone; D000212:Acyclovir