title: Systemic herpetic infection diagnosed by retinal biopsy.
abstract: 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.
authors: Washington National Eye Center, DC.
authors: M A
authors: MA
authors: Friedberg
authors: J C
authors: JC
authors: Schwartz
authors: M C
authors: MC
authors: Feinman
authors: A R
authors: AR
authors: Pilkerton
authors: W F
authors: WF
authors: Barth
authors: K I
authors: KI
authors: Perman
mesh_terms: 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*