Herpes zoster keratitis development after acute retinal necrosis

Herpes simplex keratitis: A brief clinical overview

The aim of our minireview is to provide a brief overview of the diagnosis, clinical aspects, treatment options, management, and current literature available regarding herpes simplex keratitis (HSK). This type of corneal viral infection is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV), which can affect several tissues, including the cornea. One significant aspect of HSK is its potential to cause recurrent episodes of inflammation and damage to the cornea. After the initial infection, the HSV can establish a latent infection in the trigeminal ganglion, a nerve cluster near the eye. The virus may remain dormant for extended periods. Periodic reactivation of the virus can occur, leading to recurrent episodes of HSK. Factors triggering reactivation include stress, illness, immunosuppression, or trauma. Recurrent episodes can manifest in different clinical patterns, ranging from mild epithelial involvement to more severe stromal or endothelial disease. The severity and frequency of recurrences vary among individuals. Severe cases of HSK, especially those involving the stroma and leading to scarring, can result in vision impairment or even blindness in extreme cases. The cornea's clarity is crucial for good vision, and scarring can compromise this, potentially leading to visual impairment. The management of HSK involves not only treating acute episodes but also implementing long-term strategies to prevent recurrences and attempt repairs of corneal nerve endings via neurotization. Antiviral medications, such as oral Acyclovir or topical Ganciclovir, may be prescribed for prophylaxis. The immune response to the virus can contribute to corneal damage. Inflammation, caused by the body's attempt to control the infection, may inadvertently harm the corneal tissues. Clinicians should be informed about triggers and advised on measures to minimize the risk of reactivation. In summary, the recurrent nature of HSK underscores the importance of both acute and long-term management strategies to preserve corneal health and maintain optimal visual function.

Clinical Manifestations and Long-term Outcomes of Endothelial Keratoplasty in Patients with Proven VZV-related Endothelial Decompensation

PURPOSE

To report the clinical manifestations, postoperative complications and long-term outcomes of endothelial keratoplasty in VZV-related endothelial decompensation.

METHODS

In this retrospective study, thirteen eyes undergoing endothelial keratoplasty (EK) for VZV-related endothelial decompensation were compared with controls for Fuchs endothelial dystrophy or pseudophakic bullous keratopathy.

RESULTS

Twelve patients did not have typical dermal pain or blisters. Ten patients had obvious iris abnormalities. Glaucoma was noted in eight patients before surgery. The best spectacle-corrected visual acuity improved from 1.12 ± 0.47 to 0.39 ± 0.43 (p = .002), whereas endothelial cell (EC) loss was 65% ±15% at 12 months that higher than that in the controls (p < .05). Postoperative complications included graft detachment (2/13), recurrence of endotheliitis (3/13), neurotrophic ulcer (1/13) and scleritis (1/13).

CONCLUSIONS

The onset of VZV-related endothelial decompensation is generally insidious. Iris segmental atrophy, glaucoma and pigment KPs are highly suspected to be associated with VZV. EK is a reasonable option to rehabilitate vision.

Concomitant herpetic keratitis and acute retinal necrosis: clinical features and outcomes

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to identify risk factors, prognosis, and management in patients with concomitant herpetic keratitis and acute retinal necrosis (ARN).

SUBJECTS/METHODS

In this retrospective observational series, ARN patients in the Greater Vancouver area from 2004 to 2018 were identified through key words, billing codes, and dispensing data from medical records of affiliate researchers and the pharmacy at Vancouver General Hospital.

RESULTS

Twenty-eight patients were diagnosed with ARN during this period. Five of those were also diagnosed with herpetic keratitis. Thus, the incidence of combined keratitis and ARN was 18% of patients with ARN. The two diseases occurred concomitantly in four out of five patients. Mean age at diagnosis was 55 ± 17 years. Of the five patients with both corneal and retinal involvement, three patients were immunocompromised and three had a history of herpetic diseases. Three developed disciform keratitis and two developed stromal immune keratitis. Clinical management and outcomes of these patients did not differ from patients with ARN alone, except for a lower rate of retinal detachment (p = 0.006) and a higher proportion with visual acuity ≥ 20/200 (p = 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Keratitis may complicate the clinical picture of one out of five to six patients with ARN. Comprehensive ophthalmic examination, including careful anterior segment exams in patients with ARN and sequential dilated fundus exams in patients with herpetic keratitis, should always be conducted to identify cases of concomitant disease.

Concurrent acute retinal necrosis and orbital inflammation: Report of 2 cases

Purpose

To describe the rare entity of concurrent herpetic acute retinal necrosis (ARN) and orbital inflammation.

Observations

Two cases of ARN with simultaneous orbital inflammation are described. A 40-year old male presented with a painful left eye and hand motion visual acuity (VA). Both panuveitis and orbital inflammation with involvement of the sclera and optic nerve were observed. He was initially treated with oral steroid therapy, after which the orbital inflammation improved but the panuveitis remained. A diagnostic anterior chamber paracentesis was positive for HSV-2 by PCR. He was started on systemic antivirals, but ultimately developed a retinal detachment. The second patient was an 18-year old female with hand motion VA in the left eye. Panuveitis and severe conjunctival chemosis were observed. MRI demonstrated dacryoadenitis with preseptal inflammation. The patient was initially started on oral steroid therapy, which alleviated the orbital inflammation but not the intraocular inflammation. An anterior chamber diagnostic paracentesis was positive for HSV-1, after which the patient underwent vitrectomy for a retinal detachment. The patient was started on systemic antiviral therapy.

Conclusions and Importance

Herpetic disease should remain on the differential for cases of concurrent intraocular and orbital inflammation. Early recognition of this process may help prevent severe vision loss. It is important to recognize that orbital inflammation secondary to herpetic disease may be diverse in its presentation.