Revista Brasileira de Oftalmologia (Dec 2014)

Optic neuritis complicating herpes zoster ophthalmicus in an immunocompetent patient

  • Clovis Arcoverde Freitas-Neto,
  • Olga Cerón,
  • Katia Delalibera Pacheco,
  • Viviane Oliveira Pereira,
  • Marcos Pereira Ávila,
  • C. Stephen Foster

DOI
https://doi.org/10.5935/0034-7280.20140079
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 73, no. 6
pp. 386 – 388

Abstract

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A 58-year-old woman presented with rash over the left side of the face and intense acute uveitis. Following careful review of the symptoms and dilated fundus examination unilateral optic neuritis was discovered. The rash was typical of varicella zoster dermatitis. Patients presenting with herpes zoster ophthalmicus should always undergo dilated fundus examination, as there is a potential risk of unexpected posterior segment inflammation. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment can avoid visual sequelae.

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