Varicella-zoster virus retrobulbar optic neuritis in a patient with human immunodeficiency virus.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the cause of bilateral retrobulbar optic neuritis followed by progressive outer retinal necrosis in a patient with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).


METHODS
Extensive ophthalmologic, neurologic, infectious disease, rheumatologic, and radiologic examinations were performed.


RESULTS
Cerebrospinal fluid samples taken after the onset of bilateral retrobulbar optic neuritis and before the development of clinical progressive outer retinal necrosis disclosed varicella-zoster virus from polymerase chain reaction and viral culture.


CONCLUSIONS
Ophthalmologists and neurologists should consider varicella-zoster virus optic neuritis as a potential precursor of progressive outer retinal necrosis and as a cause of retrobulbar optic neuritis in patients infected with HIV.
Shayegani
A
A
Department of Ophthalmology, Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, USA.
Odel
J G
JG
Kazim
M
M
Hall
L S
LS
Bamford
N
N
Schubert
H
H
D017088:AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D000328:Adult; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002555:Cerebrospinal Fluid / Q000821:virology; D004279:DNA, Viral / Q000032:analysis; D015828:Eye Infections, Viral / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D006563:Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D014645:Herpesvirus 3, Human / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D009902:Optic Neuritis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D009915:Orbit; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D015882:Retinal Necrosis Syndrome, Acute / Q000209:etiology
D000998:Antiviral Agents; D004279:DNA, Viral