Ophthalmoplegia secondary to herpes zoster ophthalmicus

Orbital apex syndrome in herpes zoster ophthalmicus clinical features, treatment and outcomes: a case series and literature review

Orbital Apex Syndrome (OAS) complicating Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus (HZO) is associated with significant visual impairment. We present four patients with HZO OAS, to highlight clinical features and outcomes in order to promote earlier recognition and management of this potentially sight-threatening complication. CT and MRI imaging findings included expansion and enhancement of extraocular muscles and intraconal fat and involvement of the orbital apex and cavernous sinus. All patients received systemic steroid and antiviral therapy, but a standardised dosage and duration of treatment remains to be defined. Final visual acuity and extraocular motility outcomes were variable.

Orbital Apex Syndrome Secondary to Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus: A Case of Irreversible Optic Nerve Damage

Herpes zoster ophthalmicus (HZO) arises because of the reactivation of latent varicella-zoster virus (VZV) infection in the trigeminal nerve ganglion and typically presents with ocular manifestations. However, infrequent neurological complications can also be seen. Rarely occurring, orbital apex syndrome presents itself as a severe complication of HZO, characterized by the involvement of multiple cranial nerves and vascular structures within the orbital apex. A 70-year-old male patient being followed for HZO developed orbital apex syndrome after 14 days of treatment, resulting in ophthalmoplegia, vision loss, and significant morbidity. Clinical diagnosis was confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging of the orbit. The treatment involved a combination of systemic steroid and antiviral therapy, resulting in a favorable resolution of ophthalmoplegia within six months. However, optic-neuropathy-induced vision loss was irreparable. Early recognition, antiviral therapy, and multidisciplinary management are crucial in preventing permanent visual impairment and neurological deficits associated with this uncommon complication.

A Case of Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus With Multiple Delayed Ocular Complications

Herpes zoster ophthalmicus (HZO) presents a variety of ocular complications, most of which occur simultaneously as skin lesions. We report a case of HZO with delayed onset of multiple ocular complications. A 72-year-old man developed HZO, blepharitis, iritis, and conjunctivitis in the left eye, which resolved after topical ocular treatment and systemic acyclovir administration. However, six weeks after the first onset of the rash, the patient came to our hospital because of recurrent blepharitis, iritis, scleritis, conjunctivitis, eye pain, ptosis, and blurred vision in the left eye. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) in the left eye had decreased to hand motion, and the Goldmann visual field test showed only mild residual peripheral vision on the lateral side. Intraocular pressure showed 25 mmHg in the left eye and inflammation in the anterior chamber with paralytic mydriasis. Orbital magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed the contrast effects with the lacrimal gland, superior ophthalmic vein, supraorbital nerve, optic nerve, and around optic nerve sheath. The patient was diagnosed with optic neuritis, optic perineuritis, ptosis, paralytic mydriasis, trigeminal neuralgia, lacrimal gland inflammation, blepharitis, iritis, scleritis, and ocular hypertension after HZO, and three courses of steroid pulse therapy were administered. Thereafter, BCVA improved to 0.3 in the left eye, with improvement in central vision, and MRI lesions and other symptoms also improved. The patient has had no complications or recurrence of HZO. HZO can cause a variety of ocular complications. Since autoimmune mechanisms might be involved, combined immunotherapy should be considered.

Orbital apex syndrome due to herpes zoster infection in a patient with chronic kidney disease: A case report

We report the case of an 89-year-old man with typical herpes zoster ophthalmicus on the left side of his face with delayed clinical presentation of orbital apex syndrome. After treatment with intravenous antiviral agents and corticosteroids, the patient fully recovered. Clinical suspicion should be concerned in immunocompromised cases.

Bilateral Pupillary Involvement as a Clinical Presentation of Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus

PURPOSE

Herpes zoster ophthalmicus (HZO) is traditionally considered as an unilateral disease. However, subclinical involvements in the contralateral eye structures are evidence, giving rise to a broader understanding of varicella-zoster virus (VZV) infection.

METHODS

We enrolled 20 eyes of 10 patients with HZO and 12 eyes of healthy controls to investigate the bilateral features of HZO patients using a hand-held pupillometer and a Cochet-Bonnet esthesiometer.

RESULTS

Maximum pupil size before constriction (INT) and minimum diameter when pupil constricts at peak (END) were significantly smaller in patients affected eyes compared with those in controls (p < .05). Interestingly, INT and END were significantly reduced in contralateral eyes of 20 affected patients and also in comparison to control group (p < .001 and p = .034 respectively).

CONCLUSION

The contralateral eyes may have subclinical involvement in patients with HZO based on significantly abnormal pupillary light reflex (PLR). Pupillometer provides a primary and convenient method to investigate the anatomy and pathology of the PLR.

The Role of Nervous System and Immune System in Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus Dissemination and Laterality - Current Views

PURPOSE

Herpes zoster ophthalmicus (HZO) is a sight-threatening condition that is defined as HZ involving the ophthalmic division of the trigeminal nerve. Cases of bilateral HZO in recent literature question the notion of HZO being a strictly unilateral disease. Its pathogenesis is a topic of debate and current literature on VZV dissemination lacks insight into the underlying immunology. This review focuses on novel research in immunology of HZO and aims to formulate hypotheses of spread of lesions through the CNS.

METHODS

A literature search was conducted on Entrez PubMed using the search terms "bilateral" and "herpes zoster ophthalmicus". Articles on ("Immunology" or "immune cells") and "herpes zoster ophthalmicus" were also searched for. Articles published from January 1942 to April 2020 that were in English language were included.

RESULTS

Our findings revealed that hypothesised mechanisms of dissemination causing bilateral ocular disease include transmission from nerves to vessel walls, the synergistic action of the immune and nervous systems through the action of substance P and the von Szily reaction.

CONCLUSIONS

These mechanisms may be investigated using newer models of animal experimentation. It is imperative to define the molecular mechanisms behind VZV transmission to improve methods of identification, treatment, and prevention of HZO.

Superior Orbital Fissure Syndrome and Ophthalmoplegia Caused by Varicella Zoster Virus with No Skin Eruption in a Patient Treated with Tumor Necrosis Alpha Inhibitor

Varicella zoster virus lies dormant in the dorsal root ganglia after symptomatic chicken pox infection, usually in childhood. If the virus reactivates in the trigeminal ganglia, it can cause varicella zoster ophthalmicus, which can have severe ocular complications. We report a case of a 73-year-old woman in severe immunosuppression due to treatment with mycophenolate mofetil, glucocorticosteroids and a tumor necrosis factor alpha inhibitor. The reactivation caused superior orbital fissure syndrome, which has only rarely been described in relation to varicella zoster virus reactivation. In our case, the syndrome was seen along with severe encephalitis.

Orbital apex syndrome secondary to herpes zoster virus infection

A male patient with herpes zoster ophthalmicus (HZO) presented with left exophthalmos, external and internal ophthalmoplegia and decreased visual acuity. A CT scan revealed myositis without significant compression of the optic nerve. Intravenous acyclovir and oral steroids were started with improvement of the symptoms and eventual complete recovery.Orbital apex syndrome is a rare complication of HZO. Multiple pathogenic mechanisms are involved, including a direct cytopathic effect of the virus as in the present case. Early diagnosis and therapy may lead to complete recovery of visual function.

Herpes zoster eye complications: rates and trends

PURPOSE

To provide population-based data on the risk, types, and outcomes of eye involvement in herpes zoster (HZ).

METHODS

A cohort study based on review of the medical records of patients in whom HZ was diagnosed between January 1, 1980, and December 31, 2007, was performed. Herpes zoster was confirmed by the presence of the typical rash and symptoms or by laboratory testing, and eye involvement was confirmed by ophthalmologists' evaluation. Information was collected on all eye diagnoses and on HZ eye-related visits, treatments, procedures, and outcomes.

RESULTS

Of the 2035 individuals with HZ in any dermatome, 184 (9.0%) had eye involvement. The mean age of the 184 was 62.6 years, and 5 cases occurred in patients younger than 21. Overall, 6.5% (12) were immunosuppressed at the time of the eye complications. The rate of increase in HZ eye involvement was 23% by decade from 1980 to 2007. Common eye complications were keratitis (n=144, 76.2%), uveitis/iritis (n=88, 46.6%), and conjunctivitis (n=67, 35.4%). Recurrent keratitis and recurrent iritis/uveitis occurred in 6.9% (13) and 7.4% (14), respectively. Outcomes included 6 patients (3.3%) with new vision decrements to 20/200 or worse. Two individuals had successful corneal transplants. Another 6 individuals (3.3%) had lid ptosis that affected vision, including 1 elderly woman with permanent unilateral tarsorrhaphy. Severe HZ eye pain was reported to be directly responsible for 1 unsuccessful suicide attempt. Acute retinal necrosis did not develop in any individual. A mean of 10.8 eye visits per patient with HZ and eye involvement was reported to continue for a mean of 308 days.

CONCLUSION

Eye complications are common and result in considerable health care use and permanent vision decrement in about 6.6% (6) of individuals with HZ eye involvement. Most health care use and long-term adverse outcomes occurred in patients in whom prevention of HZ with the zoster vaccine would be possible.