Varicella-Zoster Virus Vasculopathy: A Case Report Demonstrating Vasculitis using Black-Blood MRI

Infectious and Postinfectious Vasculopathies

Stroke is a complication of many central nervous system (CNS) infections, but only a few present with stroke without other symptoms or signs of CNS infection. Chief among these are varicella zoster virus (VZV) and syphilis. Delayed cerebral vasculopathy after successful treatment of bacterial meningitis, most commonly pneumococcal, is an emerging entity with uncertain pathogenesis.

Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus, Central Retinal Artery Occlusion, and Neovascular Glaucoma in an Immunocompetent Individual

Purpose

To report the unusual case of an immunocompetent individual with herpes zoster ophthalmicus who developed central retinal artery occlusion and subsequent neovascular glaucoma.

Case Report

A 40-year-old, immunocompetent patient was diagnosed with herpes zoster ophthalmicus and central retinal artery occlusion on initial presentation. Subsequently, he developed neovascular glaucoma.

Conclusion

There are a few case reports of central retinal artery occlusion developing after varicella zoster virus infection. However, a literature search found no reports of neovascular glaucoma following central retinal artery occlusion secondary to varicella zoster virus infection. The present case report indicates that neovascular glaucoma is a possible complication in such a scenario.