Superior orbital fissure syndrome in herpes zoster ophthalmicus.

Abstract

AIM:

To report a case of superior orbital fissure syndrome (SOFS) in a patient with herpes zoster ophthalmicus (HZO).

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

A case report.

RESULTS:

A 71-year-old male with HZO presented acutely to accident and emergency complaining of right vision loss, double vision and drowsiness. The right visual acuity was counting fingers. There was no relative afferent pupillary defect. He had interstitial keratitis, ptosis, proptosis and total ophthalmoplaegia. The signs indicated HZO complicated by SOFS. Brain imaging and lumbar puncture confirmed the diagnosis of varicella zoster encephalitis. Systemic acyclovir and prednisolone led to recovery of visual acuity and ocular motility in addition to resolution of his proptosis and ptosis.

CONCLUSION:

SOFS is a rare complication of herpes zoster infection. With the appropriate treatment and follow-up, patients may be reassured that recovery of their visual acuity and ocular motility will occur.

• Authors: R P Kirwan, M Abdalla, A Hogan, N Tubridy, P Barry, W Power
• Journal: Irish journal of medical science (Ir J Med Sci) Vol. 178 Issue 3 Pg. 355-8 (Sep 2009) ISSN: 1863-4362 [Electronic] Ireland
• PMID: 19139952 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Anti-Inflammatory Agents
• Antiviral Agents
• Glucocorticoids
• Dexamethasone
• Prednisolone
• Acyclovir

Topics

• Acyclovir (therapeutic use)
• Aged
• Anti-Inflammatory Agents (therapeutic use)
• Antiviral Agents (therapeutic use)
• Dexamethasone (therapeutic use)
• Glucocorticoids (therapeutic use)
• Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus (complications, drug therapy)
• Humans
• Orbit
• Orbital Diseases (diagnosis, etiology)
• Prednisolone (therapeutic use)