Korean J Ophthalmol.  2010 Apr;24(2):126-130. 10.3341/kjo.2010.24.2.126.

A Case of Optic Neuritis Complicating Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus in a Child

Affiliations
  • 1Department of Ophthalmology, Wonkwang University School of Medicine, Iksan, Korea. ysyang@wonkwang.ac.kr

Abstract

Here we report a case of optic neuritis in the setting of herpes zoster ophthalmicus (HZO) in a child. A six-year-old girl presented with HZO in the right eye. During the hospitalization, her visual acuity decreased. Fluorescein angiography (FAG) and optical coherence tomography revealed optic neuritis in the affected eye. Visual acuity improved with one month of treatment with acyclovir and steroids. FAG analysis showed no evidence of leakage at the optic disc. At one year post treatment, the patient's fundus exam and vision were normal. Therapy with antivirals and steroids may be effective in patients with childhood HZO optic neuritis

Keyword

Herpes zoster ophthalmicus; Optic neuritis

MeSH Terms

Acyclovir/therapeutic use
Child
Drug Therapy, Combination
Female
Fluorescein Angiography
Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus/*complications/*drug therapy
Humans
Optic Neuritis/*drug therapy/*virology
Steroids/therapeutic use
Visual Acuity

Figure

  • Fig. 1 Hyperemic conjunctiva and skin rash over the right side of the face.

  • Fig. 2 Swelling of the right optic disc as visualized by optical coherence tomography.

  • Fig. 3 (A) Fluorescein angiography demonstrates hyperfluorescence in the optic disc. (B) Hyperfluorescence of the optic disc, visualized by fluorescein angiography, has resolved post treatment.


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