title: Retinal perivasculitis in an immunocompetent patient with systemic herpes simplex infection.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, Athens University, Greece.
authors.forename: D M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Chatzoulis
authors.forename: P G
authors.initials: PG
authors.lastname: Theodosiadis
authors.forename: M N
authors.initials: MN
authors.lastname: Apostolopoulos
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Drakoulis
authors.forename: N N
authors.initials: NN
authors.lastname: Markomichelakis
mesh_terms: 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
chemical_list: D000998:Antiviral Agents; D004279:DNA, Viral; D000212:Acyclovir