Retinal perivasculitis in an immunocompetent patient with systemic herpes simplex infection.
OBJECTIVE
To describe a case of retinal perivasculitis in an immunocompetent patient with systemic herpes simplex infection.


METHODS
Polymerase chain reaction amplifications were performed for aqueous and blood samples using primers specific for the following members of the herpesvirus family: cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus, herpes simplex virus (types 1 and 2), and varicella-zoster virus. The patient was placed on intravenous acyclovir and systemic corticosteroids.


RESULTS
A positive polymerase chain reaction signal was found only for herpes simplex virus type 1. Vision in the left eye improved from light perception to 20/25, and signs of retinal perivasculitis resolved.


CONCLUSIONS
The use of molecular diagnostic modalities in clinical practice may aid in determining infectious etiologies in patients with atypical clinical manifestations.
Chatzoulis
D M
DM
Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, Athens University, Greece.
Theodosiadis
P G
PG
Apostolopoulos
M N
MN
Drakoulis
N
N
Markomichelakis
N N
NN
D000212:Acyclovir / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001082:Aqueous Humor / Q000821:virology; D004279:DNA, Viral / Q000032:analysis; D015828:Eye Infections, Viral / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D005451:Fluorescein Angiography; D005654:Fundus Oculi; D006561:Herpes Simplex / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D018259:Herpesvirus 1, Human / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification; D006801:Humans; D007121:Immunocompetence; D008875:Middle Aged; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D012169:Retinal Vein / Q000473:pathology*; D012173:Retinitis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000821:virology; D014657:Vasculitis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000821:virology; D014766:Viremia / Q000821:virology
D000998:Antiviral Agents; D004279:DNA, Viral; D000212:Acyclovir