title: Herpes zoster ophthalmicus mimicking carotid artery dissection: a case report.
abstract: Herpes zoster is a common viral illness presenting with vesicular eruptions which are usually preceded by pain, erythema, and tenderness in a dermatomal distribution. The ophthalmic division of the trigeminal nerve is commonly involved (herpes zoster ophthalmicus). Early diagnosis before eruption of vesicles can be difficult and symptoms may be confused with other neurologic disorders. We present a patient with herpes zoster ophthalmicus who presented with face and neck pain associated with visual symptoms mimicking carotid artery dissection. Atypical presentation and benefits of early antiviral treatment are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Verghese
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kachroo
authors.forename: S A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Sparr
mesh_terms: D000212:Acyclovir / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000783:Aneurysm / Q000175:diagnosis*; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002340:Carotid Artery Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005157:Facial Pain / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D006563:Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged
chemical_list: D000998:Antiviral Agents; D000212:Acyclovir