Unilateral retrobulbar optic neuritis due to varicella zoster virus in a patient with AIDS: a case report and review of the literature.
Unilateral retrobulbar optic neuritis developed in a 43-year-old man with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). This was secondary to varicella zoster virus (VZV) as confirmed by cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) polymerase chain reaction (PCR) detection of VZV in the cerebrospinal fluid. There was no typical cutaneous infection and no evidence of retinitis. The onset of unexplained visual loss due to optic neuritis in HIV positive individuals may be due to VZV infection. Prompt recognition, and early intervention with antiVZV therapy may preserve vision. Retrobulbar optic neuritis secondary to VZV infection should be considered in immunocompromised patients even in the absence of cutaneous or retinal lesions. Previous cases are reviewed and the varied nature of viral transport in the nervous system is noted.
Department of Anesthesiology, Detroit Medical Center, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, United States.
Joe Zhaoping
JZ
Liu
Patricia
P
Brown
Alex
A
Tselis
D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000150:complications*; D000328:Adult; D004279:DNA, Viral / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid; D006562:Herpes Zoster / Q000150:complications* / Q000473:pathology / Q000821:virology*; D014645:Herpesvirus 3, Human; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D009902:Optic Neuritis / Q000150:complications* / Q000473:pathology / Q000821:virology*; D012160:Retina / Q000473:pathology
D004279:DNA, Viral