Systemic herpetic infection diagnosed by retinal biopsy.
We describe a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus who developed myelopathy, optic neuropathy, retinopathy, and aseptic meningitis unresponsive to immunosuppressive and antimicrobial therapy. Although cultures and brain biopsy were unrevealing, a Herpes virus was suggested by retinal biopsy. The patient recovered dramatically after institution of acyclovir therapy and optic-nerve-sheath decompression. This case demonstrates that herpetic retinitis can occur in an iatrogenically suppressed host and underscores the value of tissue diagnosis.
Friedberg
M A
MA
Washington National Eye Center, DC.
Schwartz
J C
JC
Feinman
M C
MC
Pilkerton
A R
AR
Barth
W F
WF
Perman
K I
KI
D000328:Adult; D001706:Biopsy; D015828:Eye Infections, Viral / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D005654:Fundus Oculi; D006561:Herpes Simplex / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D008582:Meningitis, Aseptic / Q000175:diagnosis; D012160:Retina / Q000473:pathology*; D012173:Retinitis / Q000382:microbiology / Q000473:pathology*